Microsoft will drop the Nokia brand name, the software giant has said though it is yet to decide on how to rebrand its newly-acquired mobile division.
Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia’s Devices and Services business had been completed, ending months of approvals and negotiations.
Stephen Elop, Executive Vice President of Microsoft’s Devices Group dropped this hint while speaking in an online forum where he said Nokia would be renamed. Elop has returned to Microsoft having left to join Nokia in 2010 as CEO.
“It is not a brand that will be seen by consumers. The Nokia brand is available to Microsoft to use for its mobile phones products for a period of time, but Nokia as a brand will not be used for long going forward for smart phones. Work is underway to select the go forward smart phone brand”, Elop said while also denying using his position at Nokia for the benefit of Microsoft.
“I have only ever worked on behalf of and for the benefit of Nokia shareholders while at Nokia,” he said.
“Additionally, all fundamental business and strategy decisions were made with the support and approval of the Nokia board of directors, of which I was a member.”
