The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the apex industry association representing leading Telecom, Internet, Technology, and Digital Services companies in India, successfully concluded its Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) for the Financial Year 2018-19 with the announcement of new leadership for the year 2019-20.
Mr. Balesh Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited, has been appointed as the Chairman of COAI. Mr. Ajai Puri, Chief Operating Officer (India and South Asia), Bharti Airtel Limited, will continue in his role as the Vice Chairman.
Mr. Balesh Sharma brings over 25 years of global experience across cultures and geographies, with a strong track record in transformational leadership and operational excellence. Prior to leading Vodafone Idea, Mr. Sharma held several key roles including:
CEO, Vodafone Czech Republic
Chairman & CEO, Vodafone Malta
COO and Executive Committee Member, Vodafone India
Mr. Ajai Puri, a seasoned telecom executive, has been with Bharti Airtel since 2004. He has held multiple senior roles including Director – Market Operations, CEO – DTH, and CEO – Kolkata & WB, Odisha. Before joining Airtel, he served as Business Head at Cargill Foods India.
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