New Delhi, July 14, 2014
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. Marten Pieters, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vodafone India, since February 2009, has over three decades of professional experience in international and domestic markets and has served in senior positions in various organizations. He holds a Law degree from Groningen University, the Netherlands, and has also completed a Postgraduate course in Economics in 1979. Mr. Marten Pieters pledged his full possible support in the tasks and endeavours ahead for the Industry and the Association.
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.
Mr. 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.
Mr.Himanshu Kapaniacommented: “It has been my privilege to have led the dialogue with various stakeholders, on behalf of the association, for the past two years which have seen transformational changes in the telecom landscape. I wish Marten Pieters and Gopal Vittal the best as they take over the new leadership of COAI at this critical juncture. My best wishes to Rajan Mathews and the team to continue the good work and accelerate the pace of the journey the Association members have taken for transforming the lives of Indian consumers and benefiting the Indian society.”
About COAI
COAI was constituted in 1995 as a registered, non-governmental society. COAI’s vision is to establish India as the global leader of innovative mobile communications infrastructure, products and services and achieving a national teledensity of 100%, including broadband. The association is also dedicated to the advancement of modern communication and towards delivering the benefits of innovative and affordable mobile communication services to the people of India.
