CTIA, the wireless industry association, has named Ajit Pai as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1. Pai, a former Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will replace Meredith Attwell Baker, who has led the organization since 2014 and announced her retirement last December.
Pai joins CTIA from Searchlight Capital Partners, where he has been a partner since 2021. His tenure at the FCC, particularly as Chairman from 2017 to 2021, was marked by efforts to expand broadband access, promote 5G deployment, and strengthen spectrum policy. In his new role, Pai aims to advance policies that support U.S. leadership in wireless technology, emphasizing infrastructure and spectrum management to drive innovation and economic growth.
Industry leaders welcomed Pai’s appointment, citing his regulatory experience and leadership in telecom policy. “Ajit has played a pivotal role in promoting broadband expansion and commercial spectrum access. He is the proven leader we need at this critical stage,” said Laurent Therivel, CEO of UScellular and CTIA Chairman. Pai’s career spans senior roles at the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Senate, and law firm Jenner & Block. He holds degrees from Harvard University and the University of Chicago Law School.
• Ajit Pai has been appointed CEO and President of CTIA, effective April 1.
• Pai previously served as Chairman of the FCC (2017–2021), leading broadband expansion and 5G initiatives.
• He joins CTIA from Searchlight Capital Partners, where he has been a partner since 2021.
• Pai replaces Meredith Attwell Baker, who served as CTIA’s CEO for a decade.
• CTIA’s leadership cites Pai’s spectrum and broadband policy expertise as critical for the wireless industry’s future.
“The wireless industry is a key driver of technology innovation and investment in the U.S. Together, we will work to ensure that our nation’s spectrum and infrastructure policies promote U.S. global wireless leadership,”said Ajit Pai.
