KAMPALA, Uganda — Gopal Vittal, vice chairman and managing director of Bharti Airtel, has been elected chairman of the GSMA Board, effective until the end of 2026.

Vittal becomes the second Indian to hold the position, after Sunil Bharti Mittal. As chairman, Vittal will oversee the strategic direction of the GSMA, which comprises over 1,000 global telecom companies, handset and device manufacturers, software companies, and internet providers.

The mobile industry contributed $6.5 trillion to the global economy in 2024 and is a key driver of innovation worldwide, Vittal said. “The GSMA, as a global organization unifying the mobile ecosystem, is fundamental to discovering, developing, and delivering innovation that impacts positive change for all.”

Mats Granryd, director general of the GSMA, welcomed Vittal’s appointment, citing his extensive knowledge and experience as key factors in his ability to lead the board and the industry.

Vittal’s appointment also highlights the significant influence Airtel has in the global telecom industry, with both Sunil Bharti Mittal and Gopal Vittal having held key positions on the GSMA Board for years.