Bharti Airtel’s Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Gopal Vittal, has been appointed Acting Chair of the GSMA board following the resignation of José Maria Álvares-Pallete, former Chairman and CEO of Telefónica.
Álvares-Pallete stepped down from his role at Telefónica, making him ineligible to continue as GSMA Chair, the association confirmed in an official statement on Monday.
Gopal Vittal, recently re-elected as Deputy Chair of the GSMA board, has a long-standing association with the organization. He served as a key board member during the 2019-2020 term, bringing extensive experience and deep insights into the telecom sector. His leadership is expected to provide stability and strategic direction to the board during this transitional period.
GSMA’s Role in the Telecom Industry
The GSMA, a global telecom industry association, represents more than 1,100 companies across the globe. Its diverse membership includes telecom operators, device manufacturers, software developers, network equipment providers, and internet firms.
The association also collaborates with adjacent industries, further expanding its influence on the global telecom ecosystem.