Ericsson's Erikkson heading Down Under

Ericsson Australia has been an international executive coup, with global Chief Technology Officer, Hakan Eriksson, taking the role of Head of Ericsson in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, effective February 1, 2012.

The 25-year Ericsson veteran has most recently been based in Silicon Valley operating as Senior VP, CTO, Head of Group Function Technology & Portfolio Management and Head of Ericsson in Silicon Valley.

The high-profile placement will bring some strategic sizzle to cornerstone client Telstra, which is deploying an Ericsson-supplied LTE network and undergoing a significant shift on the fixed side from network carrier to cross platform content and IP developer. His direction will also be highly valued on the NBN Co account.

Eriksson was appointed Group CTO in 2003 and has excelled in developing the vendor’s international leadership in 3G, 4G and LTE. Most recently he has been working in the IP and application domain.

"Håkan's work is one of the reasons why our company, year out and year in and across technologies, remains a technology leader. I am happy that he can now also bring his considerable experience directly to our customers in the very technologically advanced Australian and New Zealand markets, and add experience also in this dimension," Ericsson CEO and President Hans Vestberg said.

A new global CTO is soon to be announced.

Eriksson has close ties to Australia professionally working on many key accounts including Telstra and most significantly, personally via his marriage to one Ericsson Australia’s home grown global trailblazers Kate Bennett, who he met in Sweden when she was posted to the coveted role of Head of Global Internet Business.

"I have had a desire to move into a more commercial role, and for personal reasons to come closer to Australia. When Hans offered me this opportunity, that coincide with my term in Silicon Valley coming to an end, I jumped at the chance to work with the technology advanced operators in these countries and become part of the strong regional Ericsson team", Eriksson said.

The current MD of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand Sam Saba, who has been in the role less than two years, will be taking a new role within Ericsson which has yet to be formally announced.

Meanwhile, Ericsson HQ has also announced it is shutting down its Chief Brand Officer position with Cesare Avenia, leaving the post and the executive leadership team, effective December 21.

Avenia was appointed CBO in November 2009 and implemented Ericsson's revised brand strategy. He will now take the role of senior advisor to Group Functions Communications and Sales and Marketing. ®