Michael O’Hara Joins GSMA As Chief Marketing Officer

The GSMA, the global trade group for the mobile industry, has announced the appointment of Michael O’Hara – former General Manager for Marketing and Industry Management for the Communications Sector at Microsoft Corporation – as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), effective 14th July 2008.

O’Hara will be responsible for the GSMA’s global marketing and communications strategy, working closely with CMOs within the GSMA’s 700 plus mobile operator community and its broader membership, to identify, prioritise and deliver on strategic marketing issues for the industry.

“Michael has an exceptional track record and a wealth of experience in the global communications industry that will prove invaluable in terms of the convergence of mobile and Web 2.0 technologies and applications,” said Rob Conway, CEO and Member of the Board of the GSMA. “We are delighted to welcome him to the team, where he will be responsible for driving marketing strategy and forging strategic alliances to support the continued growth and development of the industry.”

“I am pleased to be joining the GSMA during such an exciting time in the evolution of the mobile industry,” said Michael O’Hara. “The industry is undergoing significant change, with the emergence of new business models and technology innovations that bring together the communications and web worlds. The GSMA is a pivotal group at the centre of these, and many other developments that will continue to bring tremendous benefits to mobile users and the operators who serve them.”

At Microsoft, O’Hara was responsible for leading the company’s initiatives to deliver world-class software solutions to the global communications industry, including telecommunications companies, hosting service providers and media and entertainment organisations.

About the GSMA:

The GSM Association (GSMA) is the global trade association representing more than 750 GSM mobile phone operators across 218 countries and territories of the world. The Association’s members represent more than 3 billion GSM and 3GSM connections – over 86% of the world’s mobile phone connections. In addition, more than 200 manufacturers and suppliers support the Association’s initiatives as key partners.

The primary goals of the GSMA are to ensure mobile phones and wireless services work globally and are easily accessible, enhancing their value to individual customers and national economies, while creating new business opportunities for operators and their suppliers.

For further information contact:
Mark Smith or David Pringle

GSM Association
Email: [email protected]