Balaji is a member of the Core Leadership Team (CLT) of Vodafone Idea Ltd, a leading telecom operator serving citizens and enterprises across India. The CLT has successfully led the planning and execution of the world's largest telecom merger, in a record two years. He leads the company's Regulatory, Public Policy and Government Relations activities along with Industry advocacy, Corporate Communications, Reputation Management and CSR.

He is a pioneer in the Telecom sector, joining the sector at its infancy in 1993. He has the unique experience of holding leadership positions in all three telecom verticals, with leading Technology, Devices companies and Telecom Operator.

Prior to joining Vodafone, Balaji was Managing Director of Nokia India and Sony Mobile. Over the years, he has held senior leadership positions in start-up and turn-around ventures of TATA group, AT&T, Ericsson, and Lucent Technologies.

Having started his career with Tatas, he has rich experience of over 30 years in Telecom & IT sector in diverse functions including sales, product management, marketing, strategy, and operations.

Balaji is the current Vice Chairperson of Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the apex industry association representing leading Telecom, internet, technology, and Digital Services Companies. He is also the Chairman of ASSOCHAM National Digital Communications Council, and Member of National Council of apex industry chambers Cll, FICCI, ASSOCHAM and All India Management Association.

Passionate about local manufacture, R&D and skills/capacity development, he has been President of TEMA (Telecom Equipment Manufacturing Association), Founding Vice Chairman of TEPC (Telecom Exports Promotion Council) and is Founding Vice President of TSSC (Telecom Sector Skills Council). He has been catalyst for many industry innovations and initiatives and has served as member of several Task Forces set up by government. Over the years, these initiatives have resulted in introduction of cutting edge technologies into India, large scale creation of employment and economic growth in the country.

An Electronics & Communications Engineer from 11T Roorkee, Balaji completed his MBA from 11M Ahmedabad in Marketing, Finance and Strategy.

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