Top 25 High Tech Leaders in Dallas: Per-Arne Sandstrom, The

Per-Arne Sandstrom Executive vice president, Ericsson North America

Apparently, being the world's biggest producer of mobile networks isn't enough for Ericsson. The global powerhouse in wireless network infrastructure recently partnered with Sony to take on Nokia in handsets, a well-timed joint venture that gives Ericsson access to Sony's expertise in consumer electronics just as the 3G (third generation) wireless- wave gains momentum.

"We've been suffering for some time [in wireless handsets], but now we've found the ideal partner," says Per-Arne Sandstrom, who joined the company in 1988.

Although slowing mobile phone sales have prompted Ericsson to cut thousands of jobs worldwide, Sandstrom remains upbeat. "We've been heavily investing over the years in R&D, including 3G technology," he says of Ericsson, which has helped spearhead developments in Bluetooth, a low-cost wireless technology for connecting stationary and mobile devices. A think that's why we'll stay on top for the future. Traffic is increasing, and the average revenue per user is increasing. I have no doubts whatsoever with the health of the telecom industry."

Ericsson, which has about 3,000 employees in the Dallas area, is moving its U.S. headquarters from Richardson to a new 35-acre campus in Plano's Legacy Corporate Park. "That's an excitement in itself," says Sandstrom, "establishing ourselves here and getting the right people on board."

Copyright D Magazine Jul 01, 2001
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