The GSMA CEO leadership transition marks a significant shift in the mobile industry association’s structure, with John Hoffman, chief executive of GSMA Ltd, transitioning to the newly created position of chair effective July 1, 2026. Sianne Ryder has been named CEO of Events and Industry Services as part of broader senior management changes.
Hoffman, who has held the CEO position for two decades at GSMA, will focus on strategic relationship building with partners across Barcelona, Shanghai, and Doha, where the organization hosts its flagship Mobile World Congress events. His role centers on high-level partnership development across these three key markets.
Two Decades of Leadership at GSMA
The GSMA stated that Hoffman has served as a defining force in shaping the mobile industry while guiding the growth of the association’s events and services portfolios. During his tenure, he helped build the organization’s portfolio of global events and services that connect industry participants worldwide.
“Together, we have built something truly special, a portfolio of events and services that connect the world and help shape the future of our industry.”
John Hoffman, Outgoing CEO, GSMA Ltd
Hoffman stated that serving in a leadership capacity at the GSMA has been a privilege, and he expressed his intention to continue contributing to the organization’s strategic direction in his new chair role.
Ryder Assumes CEO Role for Events and Industry Services
Ryder, who joined GSMA in 2005, brings extensive experience leading business units across events and services spanning three continents. She will assume her new position as part of the leadership restructuring and will also join the GSMA senior leadership team.
“I know first-hand the dedication and talent that drives this organisation forward. I am excited to continue the work to grow our events and industry services and to ensure we are well placed to seize the opportunities ahead.”
Sianne Ryder, New CEO of Events and Industry Services, GSMA Ltd
In her statement, Ryder described the moment as a privilege, underscoring her familiarity with the organization’s operations and her commitment to advancing the events and services division.
Additional Senior Leadership Appointments
Bob Puglielli’s role as general manager of Events has been renamed Chief Operating Officer for Events. He will continue leading the operational delivery of GSMA’s shows across the Mobile World Congress and M360 portfolios, maintaining responsibility for the execution of the association’s major conference and event programs.
Vivek Badrinath, director general of GSMA, commended the organizational depth reflected in these appointments. Badrinath stated that the changes recognize the talent within the organization and extended thanks to Hoffman for his two decades of leadership, noting that his vision, energy, and commitment shaped both GSMA and the broader mobile industry.
GSMA’s Global Events Portfolio
GSMA’s flagship Mobile World Congress events are held annually across three major cities: Barcelona, Shanghai, and Doha. These conferences serve as central gathering points for the mobile industry, drawing thousands of participants from telecommunications, technology, and related sectors. The organization also manages M360, a complementary portfolio of industry events. The leadership transitions position the organization to continue managing these significant industry gatherings while maintaining strategic partnerships in each market region.
