Nokia phone maker HMD Global appoints new CFO

HMD Group, the Nokia phonemaker has appointed Tanuj Patro as the chief financial officer. In this role, Patro will head the company’s global financial operations for India and APAC markets. He will work with the leadership team on company’s financial performance and operational efficiency.

A veteran in the finance domain, Patro is a chartered accountant and has worked with companies like Microsoft, LG, EY, and PayTM. He has experience in several markets and led diverse teams in India, East Africa, and Malaysia. 

“As we continue to innovate and expand our presence in the global market, Tanuj's insights will be instrumental in shaping our financial strategies and ensuring sustained success. HMD Global recent move into launching its own line of mobile devices will greatly benefit from Tanuj’s financial acumen, ensuring efficient operations and a commitment to a greener, sustainable future,” said Ravi Kunwar, Vice President- India & APAC, HMD Global.

Earlier this month, Jean Francois Baril, the company chief executive officer (CEO) said that HMD Global will be launching its own independent line of smartphones, alongside Nokia phones. “I am thrilled to announce a significant milestone in HMD’s evolution - we are establishing an original HMD brand. You can expect to see a new portfolio of HMD branded mobile devices, as well as Nokia devices and collaboration with exciting new partners,” he wrote in a LinkedIn post.

HMD Global was founded in 2016 after a strategic licensing agreement with Nokia Technologies. This agreement gave HMD the sole use of the Nokia brand on mobile phones and tablets worldwide. At that time, HMD said that it would invest $500 million over the next three years to support the global marketing of Nokia-branded mobile phones and tablets, funded via its investors and profits from the acquired feature phone business.