Gopal Vittal Re-elected GSMA Chair for Second Term Until December 2028

Bharti Airtel Executive Vice-Chairman, Gopal Vittal, has been re-elected as Chairperson of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA). Vodafone Group CEO Margherita Della Valle has also been elected, along with MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita, to be Deputy Chairpersons of the organization. During 2027-2028, Vittal will lead the organization, focusing on telecoms security, high-performance networks, AI and digital communications.

Gopal Vittal Re-elected as Chairperson of GSMA

On the 2nd November 2026, Gopal Vittal was re-elected as Chairperson of the GSMA Board for the 2027-2028 term.

Vittal has been on the GSMA Board for 10 years and has been acting as Chairperson since 2025. GSMA represents mobile network operators and companies within the global mobile industry.

The GSMA Board elected Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone Group, as Deputy Chairperson. Ralph Mupita, President and CEO of MTN Group, has been re-elected as Deputy Chairperson.

New GSMA Leadership for 2027-2028

The GSMA Board has announced new leadership roles for the organization over the next two years.

Name	Organization	Role
Gopal Vittal	Bharti Airtel	Chair
Ralph Mupita	MTN Group	Co-Deputy Chair
Margherita Della Valle	Vodafone Group	Co-Deputy Chair

These new roles will help with the organization’s strategy to lead the fast-changing telecoms industry, including high-performing mobile networks, AI and digital services.

What is GSMA?

GSMA (GSM Association) is a global organization that represents mobile network operators and businesses throughout the mobile industry. The GSMA aims to drive innovation, connect people, encourage collaboration, and develop mobile communication technologies.

The organization has over 1,000 mobile operators and businesses.

Key areas of work include,

Connectivity For Good – To help deliver digital inclusion, connectivity and sustainable development.
Industry Solutions – To help develop technology, ensure it is compatible, secure, and encourage collaboration.
Events – Hosting global telecoms events like Mobile World Congress (MWC). GSMA also works with governments, tech companies, and industry stakeholders to develop policies around mobile connectivity, digital transformation, and networks.