GSMA CEO Hoffman to Step Down

GSMA Ltd CEO John Hoffman will step into the newly created role of chairman effective 1 July 2026. Sianne Ryder was named as CEO of Events and Industry Services as part of senior leadership changes across the portfolio.

In a statement, the mobile industry association stated that in his new role, Hoffman will focus on strategic relationship building with partners across Barcelona, Shanghai, and Doha, where GSMA flagship MWC events are held. Hoffman has spent two decades at the GSMA. Commenting on the transition, Hoffman said it has been a privilege to lead the creation of a lasting legacy. “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.”

Alongside her new role as CEO of Events and Industry Services, Ryder will join the GSMA leadership team. She joined the company in 2005 and has led business units across events and services on three continents. Ryder said it is a privilege to step into the role at such an exciting time for the organisation.“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.”

As part of the senior leadership shake-up, Bob Puglielli’s role of general manager of Events will be renamed COO for Events, and he will continue to lead the operational delivery of GSMA’s shows across the MWC and M360 portfolio. Vivek Badrinath, director general of the organisation, said that these appointments reflect the exceptional depth of talent within the GSMA.“I also want to take this opportunity to thank John sincerely. Twenty years of leadership is a remarkable achievement, and John’s vision, energy, and commitment have shaped not only GSMA and our events, but the broader mobile industry.”