Ericsson has appointed company stalwart Per Narvinger as its new CEO.

Narvinger, who has been with Swedish telecoms equipment vendor since 1997, succeeds Börje Ekholm, who is retiring. Narvinger will take up his new post on October 1, and also become company president.

Describing the move as “a great honor,” Narvinger said: “It has been a pleasure working with Börje in our joint efforts to create a stronger Ericsson. This is a pivotal time in our industry.

“As AI continues to industrialize, this will increasingly require advanced connectivity solutions, an area where Ericsson is leading. With our extraordinary employees who are cementing technology leadership as a foundation for success, we will continue to provide great value to our customers. I look forward to taking up the role as president and CEO of this amazing company.”

Narvinger has spent his entire career with Ericsson, including long-term assignments in Australia and Spain. Most recently, he has headed the company’s networks division, having previously led its cloud software business area.

Ekholm informed staff he was leaving in an email earlier today. He had been president and CEO of Ericsson for nine years, and a company director for 20 years. He will retire at the end of September, and stay on as executive advisor to the new CEO until June 15, 2027. He will also step down from the Ericsson board.

Reports surfaced last year that his position was under threat due to a falling out with the Wallenberg family, Ericsson’s biggest shareholders. Ericsson insiders who spoke to DCD said his departure had been expected within the company.

“When I stepped in as CEO in 2017, the company faced considerable headwinds,” Ekholm said. “Since then we have turned Ericsson around and emerged as a global communications and technology leader.

“Today, Ericsson is driving the transformation of mobile connectivity by changing how networks are used and commercialized, and we are leading the industry into the next stage of AI: the physical AI era. It is our ability to innovate, to adapt and to compete globally that continues to define us. With Per Narvinger as CEO, Ericsson will have the right leader to continue developing this great company. I want to thank the board, my executive team and all of my great colleagues at Ericsson.”