COAI, the leading Mobile Communications Association representing six of the largest mobile service operators and the majority of telecom equipment manufacturersas well as other communication services and product companies in India, in its Annual General Body Meeting, held on 14th July 2014, announced the election of its new leadership for the term 2014-2015.
Mr. Marten Pieters, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Vodafone India Ltd. has been elected as the new Chairman and Mr. Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (India and South Asia) of Bharti Airtel has been elected as the Vice-Chairman. COAI also designated its Executive Council for the new term at the meeting. Mr. Pieters, in his address as the new Chairman of COAI stated that, “In the recent past, India’s growth story fuelled by the telecom sector has been going through a challenging policy and regulatory environment. While the Industry is witnessing low profit margins, primarily due to high debt paid to finance 3G & BWA Auction held couple of years ago, the sector also underwent a series of unprecedented events and policy reversals. After years of uncertainty and policy paralysis, we are expecting a definitive roadmap for the telecom sector from the new government in the Centre.”
With over 25 years of experience in telecom and consumer goods (FMCG) industries, Mr. Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (India and South Asia) of Bharti Airtel is the new Vice Chairman of COAI.
Rajan S Mathews, Director General, COAI, extended his heartfelt gratitude to Mr Himanshu Kapania, the outgoing Chairman of COAI for the bold, courageous and excellent leadership provided by him through one of the most challenging periods in the history of Indian telecom’s regulation and government environment. He also welcomed the new leadership and congratulated them for accepting their positions at the helm of the association for the coming term.
