Nokia Smartphone Chief Announces Resignation Ahead of Nokia World

On the eve of Nokia World, the world's largest mobile phone provider announced Monday the resignation of Anssi Vanjoki, the head of its smartphone operations. Nokia's (NOK) announcement also comes within days of its naming of a new CEO, in a move to reignite the struggling handset maker.

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Vanjoki will stay on board another six months to finish up his current tasks, Nokia said. On Tuesday, Nokia World kicks off for a two-day event, in which the mobile giant will unveil its latest smartphones. Late last week, Nokia named Stephen Elop as its new CEO. It's an attempt to bring a software veteran in to combat advances by Apple's (AAPL) iPhone and Google's (GOOG) Android.

In a statement, Vanjoki said, "I felt the time has come to seek new opportunities in my life. At the same time, I am one hundred percent committed to doing my best for Nokia until my very last working day. I am also really looking forward to this year's Nokia World and sharing news about exciting new devices and solutions."