European telecom equipment maker Ericsson has appointed Chris Houghton as the new Head of Indian region.

Houghton will report to Mats H Olsson, Senior Vice President Asia-Pacific, the company said in a statement.

The appointment of Houghton, now Head of Customer Unit UK and Ireland and Managing Director Ericsson UK, is effective June 3, 2013.

"Together with the team in India he (Houghton) will work to extend our footprint in the region and assisting our customers in their work to capture value in a rapidly transforming telecoms market," Ericsson President and CEO Hans Vestberg said.

Chris has worked for Ericsson for twenty five years and prior to relocating to the UK he held senior positions in Japan, Hungary and Sweden.

"India is a strategic region for Ericsson. I am excited to lead the legacy of 110 years in India. Ericsson’ commitment to India’s telecom growth is steadfast," Houghton said.

Houghton succeeds Fredrik Jejdling who will assume the role as Head of sub-Saharan African region.