Top 10: Women in Telecommunications

While much progress has been made with diversity, equality and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives in the industry, telecommunications companies can always do more. 

Improvements can be made when it comes to getting women into telco and networking sectors, particularly in leadership and executive-level positions. According to techUK, 19% of the UK telecoms workforce was female in 2020, compared to 37% of the global telecoms workforce in 2022.

Mobile Magazine showcases some of the leading women currently working across the industry to not only spearhead the next generation of connectivity, but who are also championing equality programmes for the future of their business.

10. Anne Chow, Former CEO, AT&T & Board Member, 3M

Despite leaving AT&T in 2022, Anne Chow’s impact on the global telco industry remains transformative. During her time as CEO, she managed more than 35,000 employees who serve three million business customers worldwide.

9. Dominique Leroy, Member of the Board & CEO Europe, Deutsche Telekom

Dominique Leroy is responsible for the European segment of Deutsche Telekom, encompassing 10 different countries with a revenue of above €11bn (US$11.32bn) and more than 34,000 employees.

With more than 30 years of experience in the consumer goods and telecommunication sector, Dominique began her career at Unilever before moving to Proximus and then working as an advisor for Bain & Company. She holds more than a decade's worth of Director experience and currently sits on the board of directors at T-Mobile US and Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation.

8. Keri Gilder, CEO, Colt Technology Services

Appointed as CEO in May 2020, Keri is responsible for executing Colt’s strategy which centres around transforming the way the world works through the power of connectivity.

Before becoming CEO, Keri was Colt’s Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), leading global teams across sales, presales and marketing, as well as working closely with the wider organisation to ensure Colt delivered for its customers.

Keri remains passionate about promoting D&I to ensure Colt is a business where everyone feels they can bring their true selves to work.

7. Kate Johnson, President and CEO, Lumen Technologies

Kate Johnson joined Lumen in 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience as a technology innovator. She holds a proven track record of driving business transformation success at many of the world’s top Fortune 100 technology companies.

First beginning her career in 1993, Kate worked as a management consultant at Deloitte, where she focused on large-scale business and digital transformation across a broad range of industries.

Prior to Lumen, Kate served as President of Microsoft US from 2017 until 2021.

6. Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO, Vodafone Ghana

Patricia Obo-Nai is the first woman CEO of Vodafone Ghana, having been appointed in 2019. She has worked for Vodafone Ghana — the country’s second-largest mobile carrier by market share — since 2016.

Patricia is well-known for her dedication to empowering people across the country of Ghana with telecommunication technology and ensuring its use for good. With more than 20 years working across the telecommunications sector, Patricia is a respected business leader continually committed to returning value to shareholders through an engaged team.

5. Jennifer Holmes, CEO, LINX

Jennifer initially joined LINX back in 2007 as a member of the sales team and soon progressed to leadership roles, including Sales Manager and Head of Sales. Soon after, she was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) in 2019 and was invited to join the LINX Board of Directors in 2023.

She continues to play a critical role in growing LINX membership and remains extremely passionate about the role of LINX within the interconnectivity ecosystem with her strong understanding of the needs of LINX members.

4. Katherine Ainley, CEO at Ericsson UK

Katherine Ainley is CEO of Ericsson UK & Ireland, where she leads the future of 5G monetisation across the telecoms sector. She joined the company in 2021, after working at BT.

Working alongside major mobile network operators and service providers to create world-leading mobile networks and game-changing technology, Katherine is dedicated to making connectivity and technology available to all and making sure technology and telecoms are a diverse, welcoming world which everyone can be a part of.

Katherine was also featured in our Top 100 Women in Technology 2024 list.

3. Christel Heydemann, CEO, Orange Group

Christel Heydemann was appointed CEO of Orange Group in 2022. She is a high-profile business figure with a powerful background in French telecommunications. 

She first started her career in 1997 at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where she then went on to join Alcatel and was appointed Director of Human Resources and Transformation.

From 2014 to 2022, Christel worked for Schneider Electric, where she held a range of roles, including Director of Strategic Alliances, Senior Vice President Corporate Strategy & Alliances and Executive Vice President Europe Operations.

2. Allison Kirkby, CEO, BT Group

With a steadfast commitment to keeping people connected, Allison Kirkby is a leading figure in the current telecommunications space. First appointed as CEO of BT Group in February 2024, succeeding Philip Jansen, Allison is best known for her ability to lead large companies and further transform them in the telecommunications industry.

Allison has worked for BT Group since being appointed to the board as a non-executive director in 2019. In her role as CEO, she is expected to be busy with a responsibility to oversee BT’s pledge to roll out £15bn (US$18.89bn) of fibre broadband to 25 million homes by 2026 — in addition to a range of other connectivity services.

1. Margherita Della Valle, CEO, Vodafone Group

• Employees: 93,000+
• Founded: 1984

Margherita Della Valle was made interim CEO of Vodafone, in addition to Group Chief Financial Officer, until her appointment as CEO was made permanent in 2023. She has worked with the company for more than 30 years, holding previous positions such as Deputy Group CFO, Group Financial Controller and Europe CFO.

In 1994, she joined Omnitel Pronto Italia, which later became Vodafone Italy and held a range of consumer marketing positions in business analytics and customer management, before transitioning over to finance.

As CEO, one of the most significant aspects of Margherita’s tenure was leading the merger between Vodafone and Three, which subsequently created the largest mobile operator in the UK.

To read the full article in the magazine, click HERE.

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