Nokia Siemens Networks on Monday announced the appointment of Igor Leprince to lead its business in the Middle East region, effective October 1, 2011. Leprince, who will be based in Dubai, is currently global head of care within Nokia Siemens Networks’ Global Services business.

Nokia Siemens Networks employs around 3200 people in the Middle East region with customers and operations and does business in 19 countries.

Leprince is a proven leader who has consistently led high performing teams to deliver strong growth, improving the company’s operational efficiency and introduced a range of innovative new portfolios such as Preventive Care.

“I am delighted to have someone of Igor’s experience and track record to lead our business in the Middle East,” said Ashish Chowdhary, executive board member and head of customer operations east* for Nokia Siemens Networks. “Igor brings a deep customer understanding as well as global experience running complex operations. He is a valued team player with excellent negotiation and management expertise.”

Leprince has extensive international experience gained over 18 years in the telecommunications industry. He joined Nokia Siemens Networks in September 2007 as head of network planning and optimization in Global Services. Before joining the company, Leprince held the roles of managing director and vice president of operations, EMEA, for WFI, a public America-based wireless services company, between 2001 and 2007.

Leprince succeeds Jörg Erlemeier, who has led the Middle East region, including the previously combined Middle East and Africa region, since September 2009. Erlemeier is moving to a new role within the customer operations east organization.

“Jörg has led the Middle East region to numerous breakthroughs in areas such as customer experience management, managed services and mobile broadband, and I look forward to working with him in his new role,” Chowdhary said. “Igor and Jörg will work very closely together over the coming period to ensure a strong end to the quarter and a smooth transition from the point of view of our customers and employees.”