Katherine Ainley

Katherine is the CEO of Ericsson UK and Ireland, working alongside major mobile network operators and service providers to create world leading mobile networks and game-changing technology for millions of subscribers and enterprise partners. She is also a member of the leadership team for Ericsson Europe and Latin America. 

Katherine joined Ericsson in February 2021 from BT where she held a number of senior executive positions for more than 10 years, including the roles of Managing Director of Ventures in Enterprise and CEO of Tikit, a then wholly owned subsidiary of BT. Her career has also included management and consultant roles with Lloyds TSB and Ernst & Young in transformation and customer experience. 

Responsible for a team of more than 2,500 employees across the UK and Ireland, Katherine is leading Ericsson’s vision for 5G technology and deployment in the UK, focusing on supporting the business growth of network operators through continuous technology and product performance, enabling digitisation across new industries and delivering world-class connectivity for consumers. 

Originally from Wigan in the North West but now living in South East London, Katherine has studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). She has two young daughters and is a passionate supporter of Diversity and Inclusion programmes at Ericsson.