imGO appoints EricssonÆs Michael Ricks as CEO

Wireless technology investment company, imGO has appointed Michael Ricks as chief executive officer for the company. His appointment is effective 1 December 2000 when he takes over from interim CEO, Winnie Fok.

Ricks was formerly president and CEO of Ericsson (China) Company Ltd. Ericsson is one of imGO’s major shareholders and co-founders.

Ricks has almost 20 years' experience in the telecommunications industry, and worked most of his career in Asia at a leadership level for multinational companies. Career achievements during his seven years with Ericsson in China and Hong Kong include building $3 billion worth of sales in China, outperforming global Ericsson average market shares in profitability within mobile systems and consumer products and developing a strong industry position for the company’s mobile internet strategy and services.

“Michael has an impressive track record leading the China operations of Ericsson and other telecommunication companies,” said Claes DahlbSck, chairman of imGO, of the appointment. "For Ericsson he was responsible for product development at the ground level of their mobile internet strategy in China, which also included establishing relationships with local carriers.

"In this case he brings to imGO not only a solid understanding of the excellent potential wireless technology has for the region, he also brings a premier network of relationships and client recognition."

imGO focuses on the wireless sector and invests in high growth opportunities, alongside developing joint ventures with multinational companies in bringing the best of wireless to Asia. Shareholders include Investor Capital Partners – Asia Fund and Investor AB of Sweden (33.7%); Ericsson, a global leader in telecommunications (16.4%); Hutchison Whampoa, a Hong Kong based multinational conglomerate (9.9%); and Guoco Group, a member of the Hong Leong Group Malaysia (24.2%).