Mobile phone giant Nokia is to lose its second high-profile executive in less than a week.

Anssi Vanjokia, the head of Nokia`s mobile business, resigned from a job that he began in July 2010. He took up his job as executive vice president and general manager of the firm`s mobile solutions division in July this year.

His announcement follows Friday`s appointment of Microsoft`s Stephen Elop as the firm`s new chief executive.

Mr Elop - the first non-Finn to head Nokia - will replace Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, a lifelong employee who had been chief executive since 2006.

"I felt the time has come to seek new opportunities in my life," said Mr Vanjoki in a statement.

"At the same time, I am 100% committed to doing my best for Nokia until my very last working day."

Mr Vanjokia will now serve a notice period of six months before departing.

Analysts at CCS Insight said it was an "end of an era" and could signal further management changes.

On 10 September, the firm announced that it had appointed Microsoft business manager Mr Elopas its new CEO.

Mr Elop said his job was to "take the organisation through a period of disruption".

He will take up his new position at Nokia on 21 September.

BDST: 0225 HRS, 14 September 2010