Nokia UK chief Lloyd to quit for senior role at 118 118

Nokia’s UK marketing chief Simon Lloyd is leaving the mobile phone manufacturer after six years to join The Number 118 118 in a senior board-level role. He starts at the directories company at the beginning of May.

It is thought that Lloyd will be responsible for “mobile development” at 118

118 and his appointment is likely to see the company broaden the location-based services it offers to mobile-phone users.

The news comes amid Nokia’s £175m global advertising review. The winning agency will work closely with Lloyd¹s replacement, who has yet to be named.

Lloyd, a former BT and Kellogg marketer, joined Nokia from 20th Century Fox in 2001. He was promoted from UK sales manager to head of marketing in 2004 and was responsible for Nokia’s sponsorship of TV show The X Factor.

Nokia called the global advertising review in January to consolidate its roster of agencies. Grey holds the bulk of Nokia’s account, working across three of the company¹s four divisions: mobile phones, enterprise solutions and networks.

Interpublic Group, led by Lowe Worldwide, was appointed to Nokia’s roster two years ago to handle the advertising for its multi-media division. The handset manufacturer works with Bates in Asia.

Wieden & Kennedy was appointed to work on the launch of Nokia’s concept stores at the start of the year, while its below-the-line roster includes OgilvyOne, Joshua and Haygarth.

In February, it emerged that Bartle Bogle Hegarty, Mother, Wieden & Kennedy, JWT, DDB and Grey had been shortlisted to pitch for the business. The pitches are taking place this week.

Nokia refused to comment on Lloyd’s departure.