After over sixteen years of design for Nokia and over ten years building and leading Nokia's company wide design group, Frank Nuovo has decided to independently pursue new product and brand development with a sharp focus on design and styling excellence. As of April 1, 2006 Nuovo will step aside from his role as Chief of Design for Nokia Corporation. In addition to his new independent projects, Nuovo will continue under retainer as Vertu's Principal Designer.

Reflecting on his career with Nokia, Nuovo said: "Nokia has been a tremendous experience. I have been very fortunate to have participated in the creation of historically significant advances in the merging of technology with human centered design. Working with the fabulous talent of Nokia both in design and all the other disciplines has been a rewarding journey. I very much look forward to amplifying my own creative capacity while focusing closely with the exclusive Vertu team."

Nuovo states "This is another exciting era for my career. I am thrilled to continue working with Vertu and I will compliment that work with deep exploration into other compelling and creative opportunities. My passion for design will remain on creating distinctive solutions rich in both functional and stylistic quality. We each experience multiple modes and moods in our lives as we move from School to business and home to recreation. Achieving design excellence demands enduring solutions that make each of these life modes more enjoyable, meaningful and simply more delightful to the senses."

After completing duties and transition at Nokia, Nuovo will support Vertu both in England and at his base in Southern California.