Ericsson CEO Börje Ekholm to Step Down; Per Narvinger Named Successor

Jyoti Rathi - Kolkata Bureau Jun 16, 2026 1,250 Views

Ericsson has announced that CEO Börje Ekholm will step down on September 30, 2026, after nine years of leadership. He will be succeeded by Per Narvinger, a long-time executive who currently leads the company’s Business Area Networks. The transition marks a focus on the next stage of AI-integrated network connectivity.

STOCKHOLM — Ericsson announced on Tuesday that President and CEO Börje Ekholm will step down from his role on September 30, 2026, marking the conclusion of a nine-year tenure at the helm of the Swedish telecommunications equipment manufacturer. Per Narvinger, currently serving as Executive Vice President and Head of Business Area Networks, has been appointed as his successor and will officially assume the position of President and CEO on October 1, 2026.

The transition comes as Ericsson navigates a complex global telecommunications landscape, characterized by the rapid integration of artificial intelligence and the expansion of advanced connectivity solutions. Ekholm, who took the reins in 2017 during a period of significant corporate instability, is credited with transforming the firm into a global technology leader.

A Planned Leadership Succession

The board of directors characterized the change as a "well-prepared and orderly" succession. Following his departure from the CEO role, Ekholm will remain with the company to serve as an executive advisor to Narvinger until June 15, 2027, ensuring continuity during the shift in leadership. Ekholm will also vacate his seat on the Ericsson Board of Directors effective October 1, 2026.

Per Narvinger, a long-time veteran of the company, joined Ericsson in 1997. Throughout his nearly 30-year career with the firm, he has held diverse roles spanning research, standardization, product management, and global sales. Since March 2025, he has led the Business Area Networks, and previously served as the head of Business Area Cloud Software and Services starting in 2022.

Strategic Focus on AI and Connectivity

In a statement regarding the appointment, Jan Carlson, Chair of the Ericsson Board of Directors, lauded Narvinger’s extensive technical and commercial experience. Narvinger’s background is seen as essential for Ericsson’s ongoing efforts to capitalize on the convergence of cloud software and high-performance network infrastructure.

"As AI continues to industrialize, this will increasingly require advanced connectivity solutions, an area where Ericsson is leading," Narvinger noted in the company’s official announcement. The incoming CEO has played a significant role in developing the company's network systems and wireless infrastructure, including portfolios ranging from 2G to 5G.

Impact on Stakeholders

The leadership shift arrives at a pivotal moment for investors and industry partners. Under Ekholm’s leadership, the company successfully weathered significant market headwinds and pivoted toward digital and cloud-based services. Analysts suggest that the appointment of an internal successor like Narvinger signals a commitment to maintaining the firm’s current strategic trajectory while doubling down on the "physical AI" era—a concept Ekholm highlighted as the next major growth frontier for mobile connectivity.

Key Facts at a Glance

Transition Date: Per Narvinger assumes the CEO role on October 1, 2026.
Tenure Concluded: Börje Ekholm steps down after over nine years as President and CEO.
Advisory Period: Ekholm will serve as an executive advisor to the new CEO until June 15, 2027.
Successor Background: Per Narvinger has been with Ericsson since 1997, holding leadership roles across R&D, product management, and sales.
Governance: The transition is part of a pre-planned leadership and governance strategy coordinated by the board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Börje Ekholm stepping down now?

After nine years in the role, Ekholm is concluding a long period of service that saw the company’s stabilization and growth; the move is part of the board's long-term governance planning.

Who is Per Narvinger?

Narvinger is a long-standing Ericsson executive who has served as the Head of Business Area Networks since 2025 and has been with the company since 1997.

Will the company’s strategy change under the new leadership?

While the leadership is shifting, Ericsson has indicated that it remains focused on its existing core priorities, particularly the industrialization of AI and the advancement of 5G and future network connectivity.

Where can I read the full company announcement?

The formal statement can be found on the official Ericsson Press Center.