RugGear Taps Industry Veteran William Carvalho to Lead Brazilian Expansion

Rugged mobile device manufacturer RugGear has named William Carvalho as its new Country Manager for Brazil, signaling an aggressive push into one of Latin America's largest industrial markets.

Carvalho brings decades of telecommunications experience to the role, having guided operations through the sector's evolution from analog to digital systems. His background in mission-critical communications and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) solutions aligns closely with RugGear's core product strategy.

The appointment comes as demand for ruggedized smart devices continues to grow across Brazilian industries including public safety, utilities, logistics, and manufacturing—sectors where device failure can halt operations and compromise worker safety.

"William has been a key player in the evolution of the communications sector," the company said in a statement announcing the hire. The company emphasized that his strategic mindset and market knowledge will be "essential as we accelerate our growth and strengthen RugGear's presence with smart, rugged devices in industries where operational continuity is not optional—it's critical."

RugGear competes in the specialized rugged device market alongside manufacturers like Sonim, CAT Phones, and Samsung's XCover series. The segment has seen steady growth as enterprises in harsh-environment industries seek alternatives to consumer-grade smartphones that can't withstand extreme conditions.

Brazil represents a strategic market for rugged device manufacturers, with substantial workforce populations in mining, oil and gas, construction, and agriculture—all sectors with high device durability requirements.

Carvalho's hands-on leadership experience navigating Brazil's complex regulatory and distribution landscape is expected to accelerate RugGear's market penetration in the region.