Following the conclusion of a rigorous selection process, the GSMA Board has announced Mats Granryd’s successor. Effective from April 1, 2025, Vivek Badrinath will become the new Director General and Member of the GSMA Board.
José María Álvarez-Pallete López, Chairman of the GSMA, said, “During our selection process, it was clear that Vivek’s deep understanding of the industry and its potential make him the ideal individual to lead the GSMA into the next phase of its evolution. I am confident that Vivek will work together with the Board and our excellent GSMA leadership team to drive change and innovation, creating value for both the industry and society.”
Following MWC Barcelona 2025, Granryd will step down as planned and take on a new role—Special Advisor to the Board—for the remainder of 2025.
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“I’m proud and honored to be joining the GSMA at such an exciting time in the industry’s development,” said Badrinath. “I look forward to working with the GSMA Board, its members, and the leadership team to extend and amplify the positive impact of the mobile ecosystem for people, industry and society globally.”
Badrinath’s extensive expertise in technology and management has led him to hold significant leadership roles, most recently at Vantage Towers AG where he was the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Management Board.
In 2016, Badrinath was appointed Regional CEO of Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific at Vodafone, and became a member of Vodafone’s Executive Committee.
Prior to his time at Vodafone, Badrinath held key positions at Orange, culminating in his appointment as Deputy CEO, Innovation, Marketing, and Technology, where he played a crucial part in driving digital transformation, expanding market reach, and improving customer experience.
His leadership style and accomplishments have made him a respected figure in the global technology community.
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