STOCKHOLM -- Nokia Corp. said Friday that Chief Financial Officer Rick Simonson will leave his role on Nov. 1 to head the company's mobile-phones sector in the devices unit.

Timo Ihamuotila, 43, who is currently global head of sales, will replace him.

The world's largest handset maker said Mr. Simonson, 51, will also head strategic sourcing for the entire devices unit. "Rick Simonson's deep knowledge of the business and its financials will be valuable for the significant part mobile phones plays in Nokia's business," Chief Executive Officer Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo said.

A major jobs announcement is expected to be made next week following the recent visit of US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton to Northern Ireland.

Details of the US investment are being kept under wraps, but it will be seen as a vote of confidence in NI's political process.

Stormont ministers have been lobbying hard in the US for more investment as part of the peace dividend.

It is understood the deal will mean several hundred new high end jobs.

Northern Ireland's politicians have spent years lobbying American political and business leaders to invest in Northern Ireland.