In a move that increases the profile of its CSR activities, Ericsson has promoted vice president and head of sustainability and corporate responsibility, Elaine Weidman-Grunewald, to the firm’s Global Leadership Team. In addition Weidman-Grunewald has been made head of Ericsson Response, the company’s volunteer emergency response organisation.

CEO Hans Vestberg said that sustainability and corporate responsibility is becoming more closely integrated with the firm’s business activities. “I firmly believe that this enhances our competitiveness, and that the actions we take today will enable positive business outcomes in the future,” he said. “With the appointment of Elaine to our Global Leadership Team we are reinforcing the importance we place on robust governance and processes in place to conduct business sustainably and responsibly.”

Weidman-Grunewald, who collected Ericsson’s Telecoms.com Industry Award in the Connecting the Unconnected category in Barcelona in February, said she was keen to further strengthen Ericsson’s focus on CSR. “At the same time I see great opportunity to drive development of sustainable solutions for our customers while making a positive impact in communities across the globe,” she said.

The Broadband World Forum is taking place on the 21st – 23rd October 2014 at the RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre, Amsterdam. Click here to download a brochure for the event.