Ericsson has announced the appointment of former senior BT executive Katherine Ainley as the company’s new UK and Ireland CEO.
Ainley is joining Ericsson from BT and comes as the company ramps up its 5G strategy. She will succeed John Griffin who is returning to the role of country manager of Ericsson Ireland.
Commenting on her appointment, Ainley said:
“Ericsson is at the forefront of 5G deployment around the world, playing an especially critical role here in the UK and Ireland where the technology is so important to the economic ambitions for both countries.
I am honoured and excited to be joining as CEO in February and look forward to leading Ericsson’s accelerated network deployment and opening up 5G as an exciting innovation platform for the future in partnership with all mobile network operators.”
By 2024, Ericsson plans to upgrade 20,000 network sites to 5G. Last month, the company said the rollout will create 800 jobs in the UK by 2022.
Arun Bansal, President and Head of Ericsson Europe and Latin America, commented:
“With 5G primed to bring societal benefits to the UK as well as an estimated £15bn in additional economic growth from industries like manufacturing, construction and agriculture, Katherine will be a key part of our 5G journey, bringing a wealth of industry experience to the role.
I look forward to welcoming her to our team as we build on our leading position in the UK.”
Ainley was previously the CEO of Tikit and the MD of Ventures in Enterprise. She will join Ericsson UK and Ireland effective 1st January, 2021.
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