The Nokia story
Nokia began in 1865, when mining engineer Fredrik Idestam set up a wood pulp mill in south-western Finland. The company took its name from the town of Nokia, which grew up around a later mill. Over the next century it moved into rubber, cables and electronics.
What makes Nokia powerful
Nokia's brand was built twice. In the late 1990s and 2000s it was the world's leading mobile phone maker, and its ringtone and durable handsets made it a household name. After selling its phone business to Microsoft in 2014, it rebuilt itself around networks, buying Alcatel-Lucent in 2016 and Infinera in 2025.
Nokia today
Today Nokia supplies the equipment that carries mobile, fixed and optical data traffic, and it holds one of the largest patent portfolios in telecoms. Justin Hotard became President and CEO in 2025. The company remains headquartered in Espoo, Finland.
What comes next for Nokia
Nokia's next chapter is about data centres and artificial intelligence, where demand for fast optical and IP networks is rising, while defending its place in mobile networks.
Why Nokia ranks #77
Brand Positioning & Recall (72.0) and Product, Innovation & Delivery (68.0) carry Nokia's Power Score of 67.08.
Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 58.0. What would move it: Stronger digital engagement and clearer published financial reporting at brand level.
Pillar profile
Versus its nearest rivals
6 Technology & Digital brands are in the Europe 100. Nokia is #5 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Nokia in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Nokia ranks #77 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 67.08 out of 100.
When was Nokia founded and who founded it?
Nokia was founded in 1865. Founder(s): Fredrik Idestam.
What is Nokia's weakest area?
In the 2026 assessment, Nokia's lowest pillar is Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 58.0 out of 100.
Who leads Nokia today?
Justin Hotard, President and CEO. The brand is owned by Nokia Oyj.
Where is Nokia headquartered?
Nokia is based in Espoo, Finland. Its country of origin is Finland.
What is Nokia's revenue?
€19.89bn net sales (FY2025, +3%), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Nokia?
Nokia started as a paper mill on the Nokianvirta river in Finland in 1865.
Key facts
| Brand | Nokia |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Nokia Oyj |
| Headquarters | Espoo, Finland |
| Founded | 1865 |
| Founder(s) | Fredrik Idestam |
| Leadership | Justin Hotard, President and CEO |
| Latest revenue | €19.89bn net sales (FY2025, +3%) Source |
| Sector | Technology & Digital |
| Country of origin | Finland |
| Signature fact | Nokia started as a paper mill on the Nokianvirta river in Finland in 1865. |
| Official website | nokia.com |
Nokia is ranked #77 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 67.08).