Chennakeshu replaces Franz Fink as general manager of Freescale’s wireless and mobile solutions group, effective June 1.

Fink took the wireless unit from significant financial losses several years ago to profitability. He will remain with the company in a new management position after the transition at the wireless unit is completed, a spokesman said.

Chennakeshu previously headed Ericsson Mobile Platforms, and earlier served as chief technology officer at Sony Ericsson. He spent 12 years at various Ericsson companies. He holds 71 patents, and a doctorate from Southern Methodist University. He had been courted by several wireless IC companies, Freescale said.

"Sandeep is one of the most respected executives in the wireless industry today and I am proud that he chose to join Freescale," Freescale CEO Michel Mayer said in a statement.