Bharti Airtel Vice Chairman and Managing Director Gopal Vittal has been named Chairman of the GSM Association (GSMA), the influential global mobile industry organization. Vittal, who was already serving as the acting chair, will now lead the association until the end of 2026.
This prestigious appointment highlights Airtel’s growing influence in the global telecommunications landscape. The GSMA represents over 1,000 telecom companies worldwide, including mobile operators, handset and device manufacturers, software companies, equipment providers, internet companies, and organizations from adjacent industry sectors.
Vittal brings extensive experience to the role, having served on the GSMA board in various capacities for more than a decade, including three years as Deputy Chair. His appointment marks a significant achievement for Indian leadership in global telecom, as he becomes only the second Indian to lead the organization after Bharti Enterprises Chairperson Sunil Bharti Mittal, who previously held key positions on the GSMA board.
“The mobile industry contributed $6.5 trillion to the global economy in 2024 and is the spine on which much of the innovation in the world is built. The GSMA, as a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem, is fundamental to discover, develop and deliver innovation that impacts positive change for all,” Vittal said regarding his appointment.
GSMA Director General Mats Granryd expressed confidence in Vittal’s leadership, noting that his experience makes him well-positioned to navigate current industry challenges and opportunities, particularly regarding AI integration and 5G deployment for new business models and revenue streams.
This appointment comes at a critical time for the telecom industry as it continues to evolve with emerging technologies and changing consumer demands across global markets.
