Ericsson’s 9-Year CEO Succession: Inside Per Narvinger’s 29-Year Journey to the Top

For HR leaders, Ericsson’s transition is a case study in how institutional knowledge and internal mobility can de-risk a CEO change. Per Narvinger’s rise from entry-level in 1997 to the top job, via rotational leadership in networks and cloud software, shows the power of deliberate talent development. The structured nine-month overlap with an outgoing executive advisor further underscores a blueprint for stable succession.

Ericsson has announced a carefully orchestrated CEO transition with Börje Ekholm stepping down on September 30, 2026 after more than nine years at the helm, and long-time insider Per Narvinger taking over as President and CEO effective October 1, 2026. The move, disclosed on June 16, 2026, underscores a deliberate succession strategy at a pivotal moment for the telecom equipment maker as the industry braces for the industrialization of artificial intelligence and the next-generation connectivity demands it will create.

“

The stock market's initial reaction was muted, with Ericsson's ADR trading around $6.50, reflecting the expected nature of the announcement.

Ekholm's departure comes after a tenure widely credited with restoring Ericsson's competitiveness following a period of significant headwinds when he assumed the role in 2017. Under his leadership, the company navigated intense market pressures, restructured its operations, and sharpened its focus on core network infrastructure. Board Chair Jan Carlson explicitly highlighted that Ericsson's global market position is now "stronger than ever thanks to his strategic vision and global leadership." Ekholm himself characterized the journey as one that "turned Ericsson around" and positioned the firm as a global communications and technology leader, now driving the transformation of mobile connectivity into the "physical AI era."

The incoming CEO is no outsider. Per Narvinger first joined Ericsson in 1997, giving him 29 years of deep institutional knowledge. His career path has spanned research and standardisation, development, product management, and sales, with long-term assignments in Australia and Spain. Most recently, since March 15, 2025, he led Business Area Networks, the company's core profit engine, and previously headed Business Area Cloud Software and Services from 2022. This blend of technical depth and commercial execution, coupled with a long internal track record, signals a board preference for continuity and a leader already steeped in the company's strategic priorities.

The succession plan is meticulously phased. Ekholm will serve as an executive advisor to Narvinger from his last day as CEO through June 15, 2027, a nine-month transition window that ensures institutional memory is transferred while the new CEO establishes his leadership. Ekholm will also exit the Board of Directors on October 1, 2026, clearing the way for fresh governance. Ericsson described the process as a "well-prepared and orderly CEO succession," a phrase that reflects careful planning rather than a reactive scramble.

Industry context magnifies the importance of the moment. Narvinger pointed directly to the industrialization of AI as a defining challenge, requiring advanced connectivity solutions where Ericsson claims a leading position. This is not just about 5G anymore; it's about building the network backbone for autonomous systems, industrial IoT, and AI-powered applications that demand ultra-reliable low-latency communications. The new CEO's background in cloud software and services, combined with his recent networks leadership, puts him at the intersection of the company's two most critical capabilities for the AI era—software-defined networking and radio access.

From a market perspective, the handover appears unlikely to cause disruption. The stock market's initial reaction was muted, with Ericsson's ADR trading around $6.50, reflecting the expected nature of the announcement. However, the longer-term implications depend on whether Narvinger can accelerate Ericsson's revenue growth and margin expansion as telecom operators gradually increase their capital spending on 5G-Advanced and early 6G investments. Competitors like Nokia and emerging Open RAN challengers will also be watching for any strategic shifts.