Nokia has announced the appointment of Kristen Pressner as its Chief People Officer (CPO) and a member of the Group Leadership Team, effective May 1, 2026. She will be based in Finland and report directly to Nokia’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Justin Hotard.
Kristen Pressner brings more than 30 years of international experience in human resources, talent management, and organizational transformation. She joins Nokia from Roche Holding Group, where she most recently served as Global Head of People & Culture for Roche Diagnostics.
At Roche, Kristen Pressner played a pivotal role in strengthening leadership capabilities, evolving the operating model, and building a culture of innovation that supported the company’s global business transformation. Before joining Roche, she worked at Texas Instruments, where she held several leadership roles in HR focused on culture and capability transformation in the global technology sector.
Nokia CEO welcomes new HR leader
Nokia CEO Justin Hotard said: “Kristen brings a wealth of experience in driving transformation through business. She will lead our cultural evolution toward an AI-empowered, united team, focused on delivering for our customers and seizing the opportunities the AI supercycle is creating for advanced and trusted connectivity.”
Kristen Pressner – Career highlights
Born: 1970
Nationality: American and Swiss
Education:
MBA in International Human Resources Management, University of Dallas
BA in Communication, Purdue University
Professional Experience:
2005–2025 – Roche Holding Group
Global Head of People & Culture, Roche Diagnostics (2016–2025)
Vice President, Head of HR for Europe, Middle East, Africa & Latin America (2012–2016)
Senior Director, Global Learning & Development, Group HR (2007–2012)
Director, Talent Management, Roche Diagnostics Operations US (2007)
Manager, HR Operations US (2005–2006)
1996–2005 – Texas Instruments
HR Manager, High Performance Analog (2001–2005)
Strategic Staffing Manager, University Relations (1999–2001)
M&A Project Manager, Human Resources (1998–1999)
Senior International Assignments Specialist (1996–1997)
1992–1996 – Spherion Corporation
Branch Manager (1992–1996)
Account Executive, Trade Insurance Services (1992–1994)
With this appointment, Nokia strengthens its leadership team as it continues its transformation toward an AI-powered, agile organization focused on innovation and global connectivity.
TelecomLead.com News Desk