Srinagar, Nov 3: The GSMA Board of Directors has re-elected Gopal Vittal as Chair for the 2027-2028 term, extending his tenure until December 2028. Vittal, who has served on the Board for 10 years, has been its Chair since 2025.
The GSMA, which represents mobile operators and companies across the global mobile ecosystem, said the Board had also elected Vodafone Group CEO Margherita Della Valle as co-Deputy Chair, alongside Ralph Mupita, who was re-elected to the position.
Expressing gratitude, Vittal said the mobile industry was entering a new era in which advanced networks, artificial intelligence and open digital platforms could generate significant economic and social value.
He identified security as the industry’s foremost priority, emphasising the need to protect nations against emerging threats, safeguard customers from rising scams and ensure the industry’s sustainability to support continued investment in technology and infrastructure.
Vittal is Executive Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel, the world’s second-largest mobile operator by customer base. He oversees the company and its subsidiaries, driving group strategy across digital services, technology, network planning, procurement and talent.
He also serves as Non-Executive Chair of Airtel Africa and Airtel Payments Bank, and as a Non-Executive Director on the BT Group Board. Under his leadership, Airtel has strengthened its presence across mobile, homes, business-to-business and digital services.
Mupita has led MTN Group as President and CEO since September 2020, while Della Valle became Vodafone Group CEO in January 2023 after serving as its Chief Financial Officer.
