Nokia India has named P Balaji as vice-president and managing director for India. Previously he worked with Sony Ericsson, as managing director, Sony Mobile Communications, India.

“Balaji is respected in the IT and telecom industry. His experience and leadership make him a strong addition to the India leadership team. I am confident that Balaji will provide the required direction and leadership in delivering significant value to our consumers and partners across India", said D Shivakumar, senior vice-president, IMEA, Nokia.

Balaji will be responsible for the growth of Nokia's mobile phones and smart devices business in India and provide strategic direction and operational focus. His responsibility will also be to build and consolidate the company's presence in the Indian market. He will also drive partnerships and strategic alliances for the organisation in India.

Balaji graduated from IIT Roorkee in electronics engineering and is an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad. He has been the chairman of several task forces and expert groups of the telecommunications and Planning Commission, over the years.

Balaji has over two decades of experience in IT and telecom sectors. Prior to joining Nokia, he was the managing director of Sony Mobile Communications India and has held leadership roles spanning sales, marketing, product management, operations, strategy, technical solutions, communications and corporate affairs at Ericsson, Lucent, AT&T and Tata Group.