Ericsson has selected Per Narvinger to lead the company as President and Chief Executive Officer following a decision by Börje Ekholm to leave the role. The appointment was approved by the Board of Directors, with Narvinger scheduled to assume leadership on October 1, 2026. At the same time, Ekholm will conclude his tenure as CEO on September 30, 2026 after leading the company for more than nine years.

Narvinger brings nearly three decades of experience within Ericsson. Since joining the company in 1997, he has worked across multiple parts of the telecom and ICT sectors, including research, standardization, product development, product management, and sales. His career has also included international assignments in Australia and Spain. Most recently, he has led Business Area Networks since March 2025, following his leadership of Business Area Cloud Software and Services beginning in 2022.

The leadership change follows what Ericsson’s Board described as a structured succession process carried out as part of ongoing governance and leadership planning. Board Chair Jan Carlson said the decision reflects confidence in Narvinger’s combination of industry expertise and commercial experience. Carlson also highlighted Narvinger’s record across several senior management positions and said the appointment comes during an important period for the company.

In comments accompanying the announcement, Narvinger pointed to developments in artificial intelligence and the growing need for advanced connectivity capabilities. He said Ericsson is positioned in an area where connectivity requirements are expected to increase as AI becomes more widely industrialized. He also emphasized the role of the company’s workforce in maintaining technology leadership and delivering value to customers.

Ekholm’s departure closes a chapter that included nearly a decade as CEO and two decades on Ericsson’s Board of Directors. After stepping down, he will continue supporting the leadership transition as executive advisor until June 15, 2027, while also leaving the Board on October 1, 2026. He said the company has strengthened its position since 2017 and expressed confidence that Narvinger is prepared to guide Ericsson through its next phase of development.

📊 What This Means (Our Analysis)

Leadership transitions often carry uncertainty, but the details outlined by Ericsson suggest a deliberate handover designed to maintain continuity. The company is moving from one long-serving executive to another leader who has spent his entire professional career inside the organization, creating a bridge between established strategy and future execution.

The announcement also places attention on the relationship between advanced connectivity and the continued expansion of AI. By highlighting those themes during the transition, Ericsson signals that its next chapter will remain focused on technology leadership, customer value, and long-term business development while preserving stability through an extended advisory period for the outgoing CEO.

📌 Our Take: The transition positions Ericsson to pursue its next stage with continuity, experience, and a clearly defined leadership roadmap.