From math to telecom is how Derek Long sums up his career. Formerly, a researcher at ENST de Bretagne in France, where he taught math, he joined Mannesmann D2 in Germany (now Vodafone D2) in the operations department.
Long?s stint with Ericsson began in 1996 in Germany, where he worked on introducing mobile data services. He then shifted to Ericsson?s headquarters in Sweden.
During the span of his career, he has worked on several technologies, including LTE, multi-standard radio, information management systems (IMS) and the transport aspects of microwave and fibre.
Long?s interest in telecom took root during his university years. Once upon a time, though, he had contemplated becoming an air force pilot. ?My childhood hero was Douglas Bader, the ace World War II Royal Air Force fighter pilot. I was inspired by him and wished to be a fighter pilot too. As a teenager, I developed an interest in physics and mathematics. Then, in university, I studied telecommunications and decided to pursue a career in this field,? he reminisces.
Today, as head of Ericsson?s communication services and mobile broadband portfolios, his responsibilities include promoting the company?s 2G, 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi products. He is responsible for the sale of IMS and user database consolidation products, along with site equipment and transport products.
Long follows an inclusive management style. ?I work hard to create teams based on people?s capabilities. I am always open to hearing the other person?s viewpoint to achieve better results,? he explains.
Going forward, he says developing a market for LTE in India is the biggest challenge before him. ?Keeping in mind Ericsson?s continued focus on new technologies, we are aiming at taking LTE from the first stage to maturity. We are also working on strategies to accelerate the use of mobile data and broadband, and smartphones in the Indian market.?
Long expects cloud computing, mobility and broadband to emerge as important trends in the telecom space. ?Mobility would mean the freedom of being connected from anywhere, while the cloud would enable operators to facilitate new business models, rationalise telecom and IT resources, and launch innovative products and services for users. Also, broadband uptake is expected to grow substantially.?
Outside work hours, Long enjoys hiking, and playing cricket and football. A movie enthusiast, he is a fan of the James Bond series, Casino Royale being his favourite. He also enjoys listening to jazz and rock, in particular, Bruce Springsteen and Eric Clapton.
