Consensus Front-Runner Pai Picked as Next President of CTIA
CTIA announced Wednesday that former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has been named president and CEO, effective April 1. Pai replaces Meredith Baker, also a former Republican member of the FCC, who has had the job since 2014.
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Pai has worked in venture capital at Searchlight Capital Partners since leaving the FCC following the end of the first Donald Trump administration. Current Chairman Bredan Carr worked for Pai, first as an aide, then as general counsel, before becoming a commissioner. Pai was from the start of the process widely viewed as the front-runner for the position (see 2412120055).
“The wireless industry is a key driver of technology innovation and investment in the U.S.” and “it helps advance America’s global competitiveness, national security, and economic security,” Pai said. “I am thrilled to get to represent the companies across our country that are creating jobs, growing the economy, and benefiting hundreds of millions of consumers every day.”
CTIA Chairman Laurent Therivel, CEO of UScellular, called Pai “the proven leader we need to head our industry at this critical stage.”