Justin Hotard: The Tech Leader Set to Steer Nokia into the Future

In today’s global tech world, there are a few who are considered the giants of AI and data management. Justin Hotard is one such person. This seasoned executive has a formidable track record in AI, data management, and high-performance computation. 

He is currently at the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in AI and cloud computing and is set to join as the CEO of Nokia from 1st April 2025. So, let’s meet the man behind the name. 

Justin Hotard Biography

Justin Hotard - Early Life and Education 
Justin Hotard - Career Highlights
Justin Hotard - Personal Life 
Facts About Justin Hotard

Justin Hotard - Early Life and Education 

Justin was born in 1974 and was always curious about how devices work. This led to him studying electrical engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and then doing an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge. 

He has been a part of the tech industry for over 25 years and has worked for brands such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Santa Clara, and NCR Corporation. At present, he is the Executive Vice President and General Manager at Intel's Data Center & AI department. Hotard is known to have a strong track record of accelerating growth, especially in technology, along with expertise in AI and data-centric markets. 

Justin Hotard - Career Highlights

Justin has over two decades of experience in the tech industry, with most of his focus on data center, AI, and high-performance computing. He started his career as an engineer intern at Intel Corporation in 1995, and from there, he shifted to the role of Senior Sales Engineer at Motorola, where he worked for 4 years. 

In 2001, he joined the Monitor Group as a consultant intern. From here, he shifted to Symbol Technologies (now acquired by Motorola), where he joined as the Senior Manager of Business Development. He was in a 5-member team that was responsible for the identification and execution of acquisitions and partnerships. 

In 2005, he became the director of Product Management, and grew the business by 30% annually. 

In 2007, he joined NCR Corporation as the Vice President of Business Development. Here, he executed multiple investments and acquisitions over 3 years and helped define NCR’s entry into the mobile eCommerce sector. He closed over 5 acquisitions and investments that totalled $72 million in a span of a single year. He was then promoted to General Manager, where he grew revenue by 50% and achieved operating cash flow breakeven in 4 quarters. 

In 2012, he was appointed the VP of Corporate Development, where he completed over $ 100 million in acquisitions to double the revenue. Lastly, he was appointed the President of Small Businesses in 2013, where he managed a team of 70 people and grew the SaaS Point of Sale business by nearly 300%. 

In 2015, Justin joined Hewlett-Packard Enterprise as Vice President of Strategy, Planning, and Operations, Data Center Infrastructure Group. In this organization, he stayed for more than 8 years and quickly rose through the ranks. He ended his stint with HPE in 2024 as the Executive Vice President & GM, where he was responsible for high-performance computing and AI. 

Hotard became the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Data Center and AI Group of Intel. At Intel, his tenure involved efforts to enhance the data center and AI agendas of the company.

On 10 February 2025, Nokia named Justin as their new CEO. The firm stated that such extensive experience with AI and data center markets would be an incredible asset for future growth.

Justin Hotard - Personal Life 

Justin has a lifelong passion for innovation and technology. This started when he was little and enjoyed dismantling devices around the house to see how they functioned. He is also enthusiastic about leveraging AI to solve complex issues that reflect a deeper commitment to technology. 

Facts About Justin Hotard

• Justin was a curious child who loved taking apart devices to see how they functioned. 
• He received his B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and has always been interested in AI initiatives. 
• During his tenure at HPE the company signed a $2 billion deal with NSA to help support its data center and AI initiative. 

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FAQs

Who is Justin Hotard?

Justin Hotard currently leads Intel's Data Center & AI Group as executive vice president and general manager.

What is Justin Hotard's role at Nokia?

The Board has appointed Justin Hotard as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Nokia. He will start in his new role on April 1, 2025.

What is Justin Hotard's background?

Justin Hotard has a strong background in the technology industry, with experience in various leadership roles. He has worked for several leading tech companies.