The Board of Directors of the GSMA has elected Gopal Vittal -Vice Chairman &MD, Bharti Airtel, as its new Chairman, until the end of 2026.

Gopal is currently the acting Chair of the GSMA board.

In his role as the Chairman,Gopal will oversee the strategic direction of the GSMA.

A statement by Airtel Nigeria said his appointment 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.

Taking on the role, Gopal Vittal said “I am honoured to be elected as the Chair of the GSMA Board.

The mobile industry contributed $6.5trillion to the global economy in 2024 and is the spine on which much of the innovation in the world is built.

Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, commented: “I have worked with Mr. Vittal for many years and am delighted that he has been appointed Chair of the GSMA Board.