CTIA President/CEO Meredith Attwell Baker says she will retire from the association in 2025, when her contract ends. Baker has been the head of the wireless association since 2014.
“Meredith has been an outstanding leader for the wireless industry, helping usher in the 5G economy, and shaping a decade of record investment and innovation,” said CTIA Chairman and CEO of Carolina West Wireless Slayton Stewart. “Her signature accomplishment is the release of over 5,600 MHz of spectrum from the government, thereby strengthening our economy and improving Americans’ daily lives. Simply put, that represents the most successful tenure in our industry’s history.”
“CTIA is the best job in the city,” Baker said. “We get to represent the most dynamic industry in the country with the best team of experts that I have ever been lucky enough to work with in my career. Together, I am extremely proud that we have achieved key victories from siting to spectrum and helped build a stronger industry. I will forever be indebted to our great member companies for entrusting me with being the voice of the wireless industry,” she added.
During her tenure, CTIA says the association grew in size by over 80 percent, enabling the trade lobby to be stronger advocates and driving new initiatives to enhance the wireless industry and consumer experience. To help promote the industry, Baker launched the annual 5G Summit and established the MWC Las Vegas trade show co-produced with GSMA. Baker joined CTIA after serving as an FCC Commissioner and leading the NTIA.
CTIA has selected Korn Ferry Recruitment to assist with the nationwide CEO search, and says Baker will continue to lead CTIA in the interim to ensure a smooth transition.
Former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, a partner at private-equity firm Searchlight Capital, is among the early rumored candidates to succeed her, reports Communications Daily. Sources have also named CTIA EVP Brad Gillen, who worked for Baker at the FCC, as a possible candidate. Pai declined comment.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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