Nokia CEO on Why He Wants to Put 5G in Soldiers’ Backpacks

Pekka Lundmark is seeking to keep Nokia Oyj on track after the Finnish company lost a $14 billion contract with AT&T Inc. to competitor Ericsson AB, meaning Nokia’s communications equipment will get removed from one of the largest US networks.

As chief executive officer since 2020, the 60-year-old is well-acquainted with the company being misunderstood, as many conversations with everyday people involve explaining that Nokia no longer makes mobile phones after it lost its once-commanding lead following the advent of smart phones.