10 years and still Lord of the rings

Today marks the tenth year of Jorma Ollila's tenure as CEO of Nokia - one of the most successful European companies of all time, and perhaps the most successful post-War European firm.

In the coverage of this landmark anniversary, much has been made of the Finn's strategic nous and his ability to inspire those around him.

However, one of the key secrets of his success and strength is his stability at the helm.

Ollila's prolonged tenure has given the board and employees of Nokia the kind of stability most firms can only dream of.

Of course, just the duration of office is no guarantee of success, only a few businessmen can keep the required motivation, energy and mental agility up for such a long spell.

Throughout Nokia's growth Ollila's commitment to innovation and efficiency throughout the organisation has helped transform the company, which formerly manufactured toilet rolls and Wellington boots, into the world's largest mobile phone manufactuer.

All of the most successful companies in the industry are characterised by long, stable management: Microsoft had Gates for over 25 years, Oracle has had CEO Larry Ellison for a similar period and Sun Microsystems has been steered by Scott McNealy since its birth in 1982.

Even IBM, despite its problems in the early nineties, is now back on track with Louis Gerstner racking up nine years at the helm.

All of which shows, if you have a person with right vision, and the requisite energy, there is nothing more successful in this industry than just being given some time to get on with it.