Gopal Vittal
Vittal has served on the GSMA Board for a decade and has been Chair since 2025. Mupita has led MTN Group since September 2020 and has served as a GSMA Deputy Chair since April 2025. He is currently spearheading MTN’s Ambition 2030 strategy focused on connectivity, fintech and digital infrastructure growth across Africa.
Commenting on his re-election, Vittal said the telecommunications industry is entering a new phase shaped by advanced networks, artificial intelligence and open digital platforms. The sector must focus on securing nations against growing cyber threats, protecting customers from the rising threat of scams and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the telecom industry so it can continue investing in next-generation infrastructure and technologies, according to Vittal. In the role, he oversees the strategic direction of the organisation, which represents mobile network operators and companies across the broader mobile ecosystem. However, he stressed that security would remain the industry’s highest priority. As Executive Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel, Vittal oversees the company’s operations and subsidiaries while driving strategy across technology, digital services, procurement, networks and talent management. He also serves as Non-Executive Chair of Airtel Africa and Airtel Payments Bank, and is a Non-Executive Director on the BT Group Board. Under his leadership, Airtel has expanded its presence across mobile services, home broadband, enterprise solutions and digital services, strengthening its position in one of the world’s most competitive telecom markets. The GSMA’s leadership team for the new term will include Ralph Mupita and Margherita Della Valle as co-Deputy Chairs. He is also a Commissioner on the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development and a founding Commissioner of the International Telecommunication Union’s AI for Good Global Commission.
The re-election comes at a time when the global mobile industry is increasingly focused on deploying advanced network technologies, integrating AI into telecom operations and expanding digital services. Under Vittal’s continued leadership, the GSMA is expected to place particular emphasis on security, customer protection and industry sustainability, while supporting the development of emerging technologies and digital ecosystems worldwide.