Gopal Vittal elected as GSMA Board Chairman, strengthening Airtel’s global influence

By Seun Ibiyemi

The GSMA Board of Directors has appointed Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Airtel, as its new Chairman until the end of 2026.

Previously serving as Acting Chair, Vittal is now the second Indian to assume this esteemed position, following Sunil Bharti Mittal.

In his new role, Vittal will be responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the GSMA, an organisation that represents over 1,000 telecom companies globally—including mobile operators, device manufacturers, software firms, and internet service providers.

His appointment underscores Airtel’s expanding global footprint in the telecommunications sector.

Expressing appreciation for his new role, Vittal remarked: “I am privileged to be elected as Chair of the GSMA Board. The mobile industry generated $6.5 trillion for the global economy in 2024 and remains a key driver of technological progress. The GSMA plays an essential role in fostering advancement and meaningful transformation. I look forward to collaborating with the team to continue this vital work.”

Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, welcomed Vittal’s leadership, commending his extensive expertise and industry insight.

“Gopal is exceptionally well-equipped to navigate the industry through emerging challenges, including advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the full-scale rollout of 5G to enable new business models,” Granryd noted.

Vittal has been an active member of the GSMA Board for over a decade, serving as Deputy Chair for the past three years.

His election further cements Airtel’s leadership on the international stage, with both Vittal and Sunil Bharti Mittal playing pivotal roles in shaping the future of the telecommunications industry.

The GSMA Board is expected to announce a new Deputy Chair in the coming months.