Nokia India appoints Sembian new head of Chennai plant

"Nokia is pleased to confirm that V Sembian will be the new director for Chennai (manufacturing plant), effective immediately", a company spokesperson said.

"Sembian is one of the founding members of the Chennai facility, having worked there since August 2005. He brings great experience to the position, having formerly worked as the Chennai factory head-product and process engineering," he said.

Sembian will take over from Prakash Katama, who has decided to resign as head of the Chennai factory, which is considered one of Nokia's biggest plants.

The company said that though Katama has decided to quit, he would play a consulting role for a "fixed" period.

"We can confirm that Prakash Katama is leaving the company, but will stay with us in a consultancy role for a fixed period of time. We are grateful for the 14 years that Prakash dedicated to Nokia and wish him well in his future endeavours," the spokesperson said.

Nokia yesterday said it had offered a voluntary retirement scheme for employees of its facility near Chennai, which is at the centre of a tax dispute.

(Also see: Nokia forcing us to take VRS, allege Chennai factory employees)

The Supreme Court has refused to lift a restraint on the sale of Nokia's Indian assets, including the plant near Chennai, as part of the handset maker's global deal with Microsoft.