The GSMA has re-elected Bharti Airtel Executive Vice Chairman Gopal Vittal as Board Chair for another term, extending his leadership of the global mobile industry association through December 2028. The decision forms part of the organisation’s new 2027–2028 Board appointments, which also see Vodafone Group CEO Margherita Della Valle elected as co-Deputy Chair alongside the re-elected Ralph Mupita, CEO of MTN Group.
As Chair, Vittal will oversee the strategic direction of the GSMA, which represents mobile operators and companies across the global mobile ecosystem. He said he was honoured to be re-elected and highlighted the growing role of advanced networks, artificial intelligence and open digital platforms in creating economic and social value. He also identified security as a key priority, including protecting nations, customers and the sustainability of the mobile industry.
Vittal is Executive Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel, where he oversees the group and its subsidiaries, drives corporate strategy and coordinates activities across digital technology, network strategy, 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 expanded its presence across mobile, home broadband, business and digital services.
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Ralph Mupita has been Group President and CEO of MTN Group since September 2020, having previously served as its Group Chief Financial Officer. He became a GSMA Deputy Chair in April 2025 and also serves on the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development and the ITU’s AI for Good Global Commission. At MTN, he is leading the company’s Ambition 2030 strategy, which focuses on expanding connectivity, fintech and digital infrastructure opportunities across Africa.
Margherita Della Valle has served as Vodafone Group’s CEO since January 2023, following her role as Group Chief Financial Officer from 2018. She has led the company’s transformation towards a simpler and stronger business.
The new Board leadership will guide the GSMA as the mobile industry responds to developments in connectivity, artificial intelligence, digital services and security.
