Top 10: Global Leaders in Telecommunications
Global leaders in telecommunications serve as key drivers of innovation, connectivity and industry standards across the sector.
Their organisations and alliances shape the evolution of digital infrastructure, championing advancements like AI, 5G and sustainable network solutions.
These leaders help set strategic priorities and promote best practices by fostering international collaboration and addressing shared challenges.
Their collective influence ensures the telecommunications industry remains central to digital transformation, supporting economic growth and enabling progress in diverse fields including healthcare, education and defence.
Through their collective leadership, the sector continues to anchor and enhance the world’s increasingly connected society.
10. Ke Ruiwen, CEO and Chairman at China Telecom
Employees: 277,670
Founded: 2002
Ke Ruiwen, Chairman and CEO of China Telecom, leads the push for technological self-reliance and digital innovation.
Under his leadership, China Telecom has expanded 5G networks, developed AI platforms like Xirang and Xingchen and advanced cloud infrastructure.
His vision integrates AI, quantum and satellite technologies, aligning with China’s national digital transformation objectives.
9. Marc Murtra, CEO and Chairman at Telefónica
Employees: 100,870
Founded: 1924
Marc Murtra, appointed Chairman and CEO of Telefónica in 2025, is steering the group towards a Europe-centric strategy, divesting from Latin American markets to boost profitability.
With expertise in industrial engineering and business administration, he is driving investment in digital transformation, 5G and cloud services.
His GSMA Board appointment reflects his rising global industry influence.
8. Zhong Chen, President and Executive Director at China Unicom
Employees: 239,300
Founded: 1994
Zhong Chen, CEO of China Unicon, drives dual strategies in advanced connectivity and digital smart applications.
Under his leadership, China Unicon has achieved 99% mobile coverage, expanded broadband reach and led 5G-A deployment.
He has spearheaded significant investments in AI-driven intelligent computing centres, strengthening the company’s R&D capacity and positioning it as a leading digital service innovator.
7. Christel Heydemann, CEO at Orange S.A.
Employees: 126,900
Founded: 1988
Christel Heydemann began her tenure as CEO of Orange Group in April 2022.
She champions AI as the telecom sector’s greatest revolution in two decades.
Under her leadership, Orange integrates AI to enhance customer experience, operational efficiency and predictive infrastructure management.
She advocates European collaboration and open partnerships, positioning Orange as a leading force in developing smart grids and interoperable network innovation.
6. Timotheus Höttges, CEO at Deutsche Telekom
Employees: 198,190
Founded: 1995
Timotheus Höttges, who has been the CEO of Deutsche Telekom since 2014, has led it to European market leadership while driving T-Mobile’s US expansion.
His strategy prioritises integrated digital networks, significant fibre optic rollouts in Germany and advanced 5G capabilities monetisation.
He positions Deutsche Telekom at the intersection of telecoms, AI, software and cloud, competing with both traditional operators and hyperscalers.
5. Masayoshi Son, CEO and Founder at SoftBank Group
Employees: 65,352
Founded: 1981
Masayoshi Son, founder and CEO of SoftBank Group, has transformed the business from a software distributor into a global technology investment powerhouse.
Known for bold bets on firms like Yahoo!, Alibaba and Arm Holdings, his vision centres on AI-driven growth.
He spearheaded Sprint’s merger with T-Mobile US, reinforcing his lasting impact on global telecommunications.
4. Akira Shimada, President and CEO at NTT
Employees: 338,570
Founded: 1952
Akira Shimada, President and CEO of NTT Group, spearheads its strategic drive in 6G innovation and B2B growth.
Under his leadership, NTT achieved record-breaking signal speeds and global prominence in optical communications.
Committed to sustainability and digital inclusion, his career milestones reflect a visionary focus on enterprise solutions, industry leadership and responsible, future-ready business practices.
3. Biao He, Executive Director and CEO at China Mobile
Employees: 451,830
Founded: 1997
Biao He, Director and President of China Mobile, is leading the world’s largest wireless carrier into the AI+ era.
Under his leadership, the company launched 5G-A services, experimental satellites and a 400G optical backbone.
He has overseen the development of China Mobile’s proprietary AI model and is driving innovation across digital finance, international expansion and AI-powered consumer and enterprise services.
2. John T. Stankey, CEO at AT&T
Employees: 140,990
Founded: 1976
John T. Stankey has served as CEO of AT&T since July 2020, steering the company through a pivotal transformation and reaffirming its position as a leader in connectivity and telecommunications.
Under his stewardship, AT&T has refocused on its core strengths of wireless, broadband and fibre, divesting significant media assets such as WarnerMedia and DirecTV to concentrate on next-generation infrastructure and digital innovation.
His tenure has been marked by significant investment in 5G and fibre networks, including strategic partnerships and ventures to expand high-speed connectivity across the US.
He has championed initiatives to bridge the digital divide, committing billions to improve internet access for underserved communities.
With a career at AT&T spanning nearly four decades, he has held numerous senior roles, including CEO of WarnerMedia and Chief Strategy Officer, demonstrating versatility and a forward-thinking approach that continues to shape AT&T’s future.
1. Hans Erik Vestberg CEO at Verizon Communications
Employees: 99,600
Founded: 1983
Hans Erik Vestberg has been Verizon’s CEO since 2018 and Chairman since 2019, driving the company’s transformation into a global leader in 5G technology.
As the architect of Verizon’s pioneering 5G network strategy, he oversaw the world’s first commercial launches of 5G and Mobile Edge Compute services, dramatically expanding national coverage for both mobility and home internet.
Under his leadership, Verizon executed a landmark US$53bn acquisition of C-Band spectrum, the largest such purchase in history. The move placed Verizon at the forefront of next-generation connectivity.
Hans has championed digital inclusion, launching initiatives to bridge the digital divide and advocating for responsible, customer-focused innovation.
Before joining Verizon, he led Ericsson as CEO, transforming it from a hardware manufacturer to a software and services powerhouse.
His visionary leadership continues to shape Verizon’s enterprise strategy and AI-driven future.
