Two former Ericsson executives join Samsung Network, which wants to expand its telecom equipment business

CTOnews.com, January 30, according to Business Korea, Samsung Electronics has hired two former Ericsson executives. Samsung's move is aimed at expanding its telecoms equipment business by drawing on the experience of two former Ericsson executives.

Henrik Jansson, a former strategic purchasing manager for Ericsson, was appointed to lead the strategic task force (TF) set up under Samsung's network division. Jo Mi-Sun, another former Ericsson executive hired with Jansson, is in charge of sales and new business development in Europe. Jo Mi-Sun was previously the head of sustainable development and corporate responsibility for Ericsson.

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong chose telecommunications equipment as one of the company's flagship businesses. This is not a new strategy. Mr Lee has been promoting online business since 3G was widely used in 2011, followed by the introduction of 4G services. CTOnews.com learned that Samsung Network succeeded in supplying 5G mobile devices to NTT DoCoMo in November last year, thanks to Mr Lee's global network strategy. NTT DoCoMo is the largest wireless operator in Japan.

In another example of Mr Lee's global strategy, Samsung successfully signed a 5G communications equipment supply contract with DISH Network of the US in 2022. Also in 2020, Mr. Lee met with Hans Vestberg, chief executive of Verizon, to discuss cooperation between the two giants and conclude a large long-term 5G contract worth 7.9 trillion won (currently about 43.45 billion yuan, or about $6.43 billion).