NOKIA IMAGING CHIEF DINNING QUITS By Chris Cheesm

Nokia imaging guru Damian Dinning, who is considered the driving force behind the firm’s smartphone camera technology, has left the Finland-based company, Amateur Photographer (AP) can reveal.

Dinning, who joined Nokia in April 2004, brought to Nokia many years of experience in cameras and photography that included key roles at Minolta UK and Eastman Kodak.

In a statement released to AP, Nokia UK said: ‘Following the relocation of key strategic roles to Finland, and with great reluctance, Damian Dinning has made a personal decision to leave the company effective 30 November 2012.'

AP understands that Dinning's decision to leave came as a blow to bosses.

Dinning held the position of lead program manager for Imaging Experience, a job that saw Nokia forge a relationship with Microsoft for Windows Phone imaging.

In September, Nokia revealed its latest flagship smartphone, the Lumia 920, which boasts a Windows Phone 8 operating system.

Nokia is fighting to win over consumers as it vies to compete in the cutthroat smartphone market.

Dinning could not be reached for comment on Friday.

The Nokia statement adds: ‘During the past nine years, [Damian] has made many innovative and valuable contributions to Nokia, most recently as a lead program manager in our Smart Devices business.

‘We thank him for his service to the company and certainly wish him the best.'

Nokia has yet to publicly name a successor.

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