Ericsson appoints former Google telco partnerships leader to drive Vodafone Idea engagement

The appointment comes as Ericsson expands its role in Vodafone Idea's 4G and 5G network modernisation, cloud-native platforms and AI-powered network operations.

Ericsson has appointed former Google India executive Randeep Raina as head of customer unit Vodafone Idea (Vi), placing an executive with experience across cloud partnerships, telecom strategy and network technology in charge of one of its most significant customer relationships in India.

Raina joins Ericsson after serving as head of telco and strategic partnerships at Google India, where he worked with telecom operators and ecosystem partners on digital transformation initiatives. Before Google, he was chief technology and strategy officer at Nokia Networks India.

Based in Mumbai, Raina will report to Andres Vicente, CEO of Ericsson's Market Area Southeast Asia, Oceania and India, and will become part of the regional leadership team. He succeeds Krishna Patil, who has been appointed Executive Advisor to Vicente.

Telecom vendors are looking beyond traditional network expertise as operators modernise their infrastructure with cloud-native platforms, AI and automation. Leadership roles are now as much about managing technology ecosystems and strategic partnerships as they are about deploying network equipment.

The appointment comes at a time when Ericsson continues to deepen its engagement with Vodafone Idea as the operator expands its network modernisation programme.

In recent months, Vodafone Idea has extended its partnership with Ericsson by deploying the vendor's cloud-native Charging platform to modernise postpaid services while continuing investments in 4G network expansion, 5G rollout, capacity augmentation and AI-powered network operations.

Partners need to understand that as operators adopt cloud-native architectures and AI-driven network management, vendors will require leaders who understand hyperscaler ecosystems, enterprise platforms and strategic technology partnerships alongside traditional telecom infrastructure.

Andres Vicente said Raina's leadership experience, strategic vision and customer-first approach would help strengthen Ericsson's long-standing partnership with Vodafone Idea and support the operator's network evolution.

He also acknowledged Krishna Patil's contribution in building Ericsson's relationship with Vodafone Idea over the years, adding that the company remains committed to supporting customers as India's digital transformation accelerates.

Raina brings over 27 years of experience spanning technology, sales, business development and strategy, giving Ericsson leadership experience across both telecom infrastructure and cloud ecosystems.

The appointment also highlights how telecom transformation is creating opportunities beyond radio access networks. As operators modernise OSS/BSS platforms, deploy AI-driven automation and adopt cloud-native software, ecosystem collaboration is becoming important, creating opportunities for system integrators, cloud partners and managed service providers supporting telecom modernisation programmes.

For Ericsson, strengthening leadership around its Vodafone Idea engagement signals that long-term customer relationships will be centred on software, AI and cloud-led transformation rather than network deployment alone. For partners working across the telecom ecosystem, that evolution continues to expand opportunities around integration, automation, cloud services and AI-enabled network operations.