"At Sony Mobile we continue to evaluate innovative technologies that can help deliver the premium user experiences that Sony's consumers expect, " said Bob Ishida, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Products Business Group, Sony Mobile Communications.

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Many within Ericsson now refer to him as the firm's deputy chief executive officer indeed Mr Ros was rumoured to be unhappy about being passed over for the top spot, filled by Sven-Christer Nilsson earlier this year, though colleagues insist he is satisfied in his current post.

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In the meantime Alexandre Ricard, 40, has been promoted to deputy chief executive and chief operating officer, the firm said in a statement.

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