Erik Börje Ekholm assumed the role of chief executive officer at Ericsson in January 2017, succeeding Hans Vestberg. A dual citizen of Sweden and the United States, Ekholm built his professional reputation through decades of corporate leadership, including a lengthy tenure at the Wallenberg-controlled holding company, Investor AB, before taking the helm at the telecommunications giant.
Academic Foundation
Born on January 21, 1963, in Kullings-Skövde parish, Vårgårda Municipality, Sweden, Ekholm spent his formative years in Edsbruk. He pursued technical and business education, graduating with an MSc in Electrical Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm in 1988. His academic path also included exchange studies in Boston and the completion of a Master of Business Administration degree from INSEAD.
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Ekholm began his career as a consultant at McKinsey between 1988 and 1992. He subsequently joined Investor AB, where he focused on corporate finance. He developed the firm's venture capital division, Novare Kapital, and served as deputy chief executive officer starting in 2000. By 2005, he assumed the position of CEO at Investor AB, a role he maintained for a decade before leading the subsidiary Patricia Industries until 2017.
Board Memberships and Governance
Beyond his executive duties, Ekholm has held numerous board positions. He served as chairman of the board for WM-data and Nasdaq OMX. His academic involvement continued through his tenure as chairman of the Royal Institute of Technology. He was elected as a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences and served on the boards of Trimble and the Alibaba Group from 2015 to 2022. In 2015, he received H. M. The King's Medal of the 12th size in the Order of the Seraphim ribbon.
Transition at Ericsson
Having served on the Ericsson board since 2006, Ekholm took over as CEO in 2017. His tenure reached a planned conclusion when it was announced in June 2026 that he would step down on September 30, 2026. He provided advisory support to his successor, Per Narvinger, until June 15, 2027.
Fast facts
- Born: 21 January 1963
- Birthplace: Kullings-Skövde, Sweden
- Citizenship: Sweden; United States
- Alma Mater: Royal Institute of Technology; INSEAD
- Key Employer: Ericsson
- Corporate Role: Chief Executive Officer
- Notable Award: H. M. The King's Medal, 2015
Questions readers ask
What is Börje Ekholm's educational background?
He holds an MSc in Electrical Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology and an MBA from INSEAD.
When did Börje Ekholm lead Ericsson?
He served as CEO of Ericsson from January 2017 until September 30, 2026.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Ericsson
- Educated at Royal Institute of Technology
