Ericsson has announced leadership changes to its executive team. The company has appointed its senior vice president Niklas Heuveldop as the new head of Business Area Global Communications Platform and chief executive officer (CEO) of Vonage. Heuveldop, who has headed the company’s North America business since 2017, will take up his new position on February 1, 2024.
Commenting on the appointment, Börje Ekholm, president and CEO, Ericsson, said, “I am very pleased that Niklas has accepted to lead Business Area Global Communications Platform at this pivotal time. The Vonage acquisition and our investments in the global network platform are foundational to our long-term strategy execution, driving growth in both the enterprise segment, but also reinforcing our network infrastructure business. Niklas has proven himself in multiple roles on the executive team. Under his leadership we have significantly strengthened our position in North America, expanding our market share with all leading customers in the region and the industry-defining $14 billion deal with AT&T, creates a solid foundation for our business in the market for years to come. He is also an important driver of our ongoing organizational transformation, driving ethics, compliance and operational excellence.”
Meanwhile, Heuveldop said, “I am thrilled but also humbled to be offered the opportunity to ensure that we leverage Vonage’s capabilities and the 5G innovation platform to their full potential – it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I move on knowing that we have the best talent in the industry to serve our customers and Yossi will continue to strengthen our local capabilities.”
Additionally, Yossi Cohen, head of strategy, technology, marketing and business development, North America business at Ericsson, will replace Heuveldop as head of North America as of February 1, 2024. Cohen will be a member of Ericsson’s executive team and report to the CEO. Cohen has a multifaceted 22-year tenure at Ericsson, and brings global expertise in technology, business, operations, and innovation. His roles within Ericsson include head of customer unit at Verizon, global head of radio sales and business management in Stockholm, and head of global customer unit softbank in Tokyo. His experience extends beyond Ericsson, encompassing positions in a telecommunications technology startup and a mobile operator.
Ekholm added, “Yossi’s deep understanding of technology and business strategy is crucial as we lead in the 5G landscape. His expertise in fostering dynamic customer relationships and a progressive approach to technology will be key in shaping our future operations and maintaining our industry leadership. He has played an important role within our North American operations for the last seven years and I’m happy that he has accepted to take on this new role.”
Meanwhile, Cohen said, “I am honoured and excited to take this role at a transformative time in telecom. North America is at the forefront of technological innovation that turns visions into reality. Our commitment goes beyond technology; it is about forging enduring customer relationships. Leveraging Ericsson’s 5G leadership, our focus remains steadfast: empowering customers to unlock potential and drive innovation. This new chapter is not just a personal milestone. It is a chance to shape a future collaboratively.”
Additionally, Rory Read, head of Business Area Global Communications Platform and CEO of Vonage, will transition from his position on February 1, 2024, and become an advisor to the Business Area. Read will leave Ericsson at the end of the first quarter of 2024.
Commenting on the announcement, Ekholm said, “We thank Rory for his dedication and contributions to the integration of Vonage into Ericsson. The Vonage business and technology remain key to execute on our strategy to expand in Enterprise and help enable operators to monetise the network features in 5G. We are discussing network APIs and communications solutions with all customers today, as they see this as a major opportunity to monetise the networks and in turn drive further investments in mobile infrastructure. I wish Rory the very best in his next endeavour.”
Meanwhile, Read said, “It has been a true honour to lead this talented Vonage team on this journey – first around the power of the Vonage Communications Platform and then into the world of 5G with Ericsson. There is no question Ericsson is shaping the industry landscape by leveraging the full value of 5G and by creating the world’s most powerful innovation platform. Through this platform, Ericsson will be able to monetise 5G in completely new ways by exposing advanced network capabilities to the global developer community. The company has come a long way towards realising this strategy and I look forward to following Ericsson and handing over the reins to Niklas’ capable hands.”
