Qureshi named as new Verizon Communications CSO
Appointments

Qureshi named as new Verizon Communications CSO

Former Ericsson executive Rima Qureshi has been named as the new chief strategy officer for Verizon Communications.

Rima Qureshi, Ericsson

Qureshi was president and CEO of Ericsson North America before her sudden departure from the role in May after more than two decades at the Swedish vendor.

Before becoming president and CEO of Ericsson North America in 2016, she was Ericsson's chief strategy officer and head of mergers and acquisitions. She originally joined the firm in 1993.

Her new role at Verizon will see her tasked with the development and implementation of Verizon’s overall corporate strategy, including business development and strategic investments. She report directly to Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam.

Qureshi replaces Roy Chestnutt, who has previously announced his departure in order to “pursue interests outside Verizon”, the operator said in a statement. He will depart by the end of the year.

"We thank Roy for his leadership and strategic focus, which have helped transform Verizon into a major player in next-generation markets," McAdam said. 

"The addition of Rima is another game-changer for Verizon. She's a visionary leader, with a global perspective and a thorough understanding of our industry and where it's headed."

Qureshi is the latest ex-Ericsson employee to join Verizon. Her former boss Hans Vestberg, who was CEO at the firm until he was sacked in July 2016, joined the US telco in May, becoming the EVP of Verizon’s new network and technology team.

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