The GSMA Board has secured its leadership for the next two years, re-electing Gopal Vittal as Chair through the end of 2028. Vittal, who has shaped the organization’s strategic direction since 2025 and served on the board for a decade, will be joined by Ralph Mupita and Margherita Della Valle as co-Deputy Chairs.
Looking ahead to his second term, Vittal noted that the telecom industry is crossing into a new era driven by advanced networks, AI, and open digital platforms.
His mandate centers entirely on security, protecting nations from escalating cyber threats, shielding consumers from a rising tide of scams, and ensuring the industry remains financially sustainable enough to fund world-class infrastructure.
All three leaders bring serious operational weight to the GSMA’s agenda:
Gopal Vittal serves as Executive Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel, the world’s second-largest mobile operator. He has driven Airtel to record market share in a notoriously tough 
market, while also holding key board positions at Airtel Africa, Airtel Payments Bank, and BT Group.
Ralph Mupita, Group President and CEO of MTN Group, continues his tenure as Deputy Chair. He is currently spearheading MTN’s “Ambition 2030” strategy—focused heavily on expanding African connectivity and digital infrastructure—and serves on the ITU’s AI for Good Global Commission.
Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone Group, steps into the co-Deputy role. She brings the sharp financial and strategic focus she has used to streamline and strengthen Vodafone’s global business since taking the helm in 2023.
