Sonera chief executive to resign

Finnish telecom operator Sonera said today its chief executive was resigning, just days after another executive said he was leaving the company.

The news of Mr Kaj-Erik Relander's resignation also comes amid reports of a takeover of the group by Sweden's Telia.

Group chairman Mr Tapio Hintikka said in a statement Mr Relander's decision to step down had been a surprise. No reason for the resignation was given.

The next step for Sonera is to find a new president and chief executive, who will come outside of the company, Mr Hintikka said.

Mr Aimo Eloholma, responsible for Sonera's Telecoms business, would ta keover as acting president and chief executive.