Swedish equipment vendor Ericsson has combined its strategy and technology functions, with current CTO Ulf Ewaldsson (pictured below) taking on the additional role of head of strategy.
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Rima Qureshi, who previously held the dual roles of chief strategy officer and head of North America, will continue to be in charge of the region while also driving its strategic partnership with Cisco.

The appointment, which was announced yesterday, comes just weeks after CEO Hans Vestberg was ousted after seven years at the helm. Jan Frykhammar, previously CFO, is serving as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is found.

The move suggests the company may be nearing the appointment of a new CEO.

Frykhammar said the management shuffle is a natural step, as Qureshi focuses fully on driving the business development and customer relationships in its largest market. She took over as head of North America in July.

“In the rapid technology development and transformation of our industry it makes perfect sense to combine technology strategy and strategy development into one process,” he said.

Ewaldsson’s full title is now chief strategy and technology officer and head of group function strategy and technology.

Both Ewaldsson and Qureshi continue to be executive leadership team members and report to Frykhammar.