ESPOO, Finland -- Nokia Siemens Networks announced today that Eric Simonsen would assume the permanent Chief Financial Officer position at the company effective immediately. Since June, Simonsen has been on assignment as interim CFO from AlixPartners, a firm focused on helping businesses manage integration and financial restructuring.

“Eric has been a terrific addition to the leadership team at Nokia Siemens Networks,” said Simon Beresford-Wylie, chief executive officer of Nokia Siemens Networks. “He brings restructuring expertise, financial discipline, industry understanding and focus on creating a cash-driven culture to Nokia Siemens Networks. His permanent addition to the team will benefit the company, its employees, customers and shareholders.”

During his time with AlixPartners, Simonsen held senior management positions at companies such as WorldCom Corp., Cable & Wireless America Inc. and Genuity Inc. From 1991 to 2001 he served as chief of operations and chief financial officer for Allmerica Financial Corp., a Fortune 400 company. Since 2002, Simonsen has worked at AlixPartners. He is an American citizen who has previously worked and lived in the Nordic region, and in his new role he will work in both Helsinki and Munich.

“AlixPartners is an excellent company and I have truly appreciated my time there,” said Simonsen. “That said, the opportunity at Nokia Siemens Networks is unique. If we effectively execute our restructuring and focus on providing value to our customers, we have the potential to be a true leader in our dramatically changing industry.”

Nokia Networks