How Per Narvinger Rose from Ericsson's Networks Chief to CEO

What is the next step for an executive who has spent almost three decades climbing through Ericsson's ranks?

It's leading the company itself, as Ericsson's Head of Networks, Per Narvinger, moves to the top position of President and CEO.

From research and standardisation to product management, software and networks, Per's career has touched almost every corner of the telco ecosystem.

Now, as Ericsson prepares for its next chapter, the company has selected him to succeed Börje Ekholm, who will step down on 30 September 2026 after more than nine years leading the company.

The journey from engineer to telco leader

Per joined Ericsson in 1997 and built a career spanning both technical and commercial leadership roles.

Over the years he gained experience in research, standardisation, development, product management and sales, while also undertaking long-term assignments in Australia and Spain.

Those positions brought him into close contact with operators and enterprise customers across global markets.

His most recent role has arguably been among the company's most important.

Since March 2025, Per has led Business Area Networks, the division responsible for Ericsson's core mobile network technologies and one of the primary interfaces with telco operators worldwide.

Before that, he headed Business Area Cloud Software and Services from 2022, giving him experience across both network infrastructure and software platforms as operators virtualise and modernise their networks.

Announcing the appointment, Jan Carlson, Chair of Ericsson's Board of Directors, says: “The Board is pleased to announce that Per Narvinger has been appointed CEO of Ericsson as of 1 October 2026.

“He has deep technical knowledge of our industry as well as extensive commercial experience and has proved himself in several key leadership positions.

“The Board is very pleased to welcome Per into this role at a very important time for the company.”

Taking charge as AI reshapes telecoms

The rise of AI workloads is expected to place growing demands on communications infrastructure, creating opportunities for network vendors that can deliver high-performance connectivity solutions.

Discussing the transition, Per Narvinger says: “It is a great honor to step into this role in a company where I have spent my entire professional career.

“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 industrialise, 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.”

Following a transformative decade

Per succeeds a CEO who oversaw a significant period of change for Ericsson.

Börje Ekholm joined as CEO in 2017 and led the company through the global expansion of 5G networks, helping strengthen Ericsson's position in the highly competitive telco infrastructure market.

The company says the succession process has been carefully planned as part of its broader governance strategy.

Jan Carlson says: “Börje’s tenure as CEO of Ericsson is defined by extraordinary leadership and strategic advancements.

“During his almost 10 years as CEO, we’ve seen Ericsson solidifying its position as the leading provider of trusted communications networks.

“Today, Ericsson’s global market position is stronger than ever thanks to his strategic vision and global leadership.

“Börje has challenged traditional thinking and has positioned the company for long-term success. I would like to extend my and the entire Board’s gratitude to Börje for his efforts.”

Börje will leave his role on 30 September 2026 and remain as executive advisor to Per until June 2027.

Reflecting on his tenure, he says: “When I stepped in as CEO in 2017, the company faced considerable headwinds.

“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 commercialised, 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.”