The GSM Association (GSMA), the organization that represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, has announced that Ahmad Abdulkarim Julfar, chief executive officer of Etisalat Group, has been elected to the GSMA Board.

 Julfar will join 24 other CEOs and senior executives reflecting the largest operator groups as well as smaller independent operators with global representation. Julfar will serve on the GSMA Board for a two-year term from January 2013 through December 2014.

Spanning more than 220 countries, the GSMA unites nearly 800 of the world’s mobile operators with more than 230 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset makers, software companies, equipment providers and Internet companies, as well as organisations in industry sectors such as financial services, healthcare, media, transport and utilities. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as the Mobile World Congress and Mobile Asia Expo.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Julfar to the GSMA Board, and we are all looking forward to working with Etisalat Group on the GSMA’s efforts to advance the strategic priorities of the operator community,” said Franco Bernabè, Chairman of the GSMA Board and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Telecom Italia Group. “In the election of the new Board, one of the criteria besides geographical representation, was the potential to actively drive the industry and in this respect Julfar and Etisalat Group have historically had very positive engagement with GSMA.”

 Julfar will work with the GSMA Board and the GSMA to help shape the future of mobile communications, helping to benefit individuals, organizations and governments throughout the world.