The telecom industry in 2026 is undergoing a fundamental transformation as operators shift from hardware-centric infrastructure to AI-native, software-defined ecosystems.
This strategic shift has elevated the role of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) from network custodian to strategic driver of innovation, monetization, and digital platform growth. Across global mobile operators, the role of CTO reflect expertise in Open RAN, sovereign cloud, AI automation, and programmable networks, aligning technology leadership directly with long-term revenue and competitiveness.
Vodafone Group: Marco Zangani
At Vodafone Group, Marco Zangani is driving network strategy and architecture with a strong focus on Open RAN deployment. His 2026 mandate targets 30 percent Open RAN penetration across European sites, a move aimed at reducing reliance on proprietary vendors and fostering a multi-vendor ecosystem. This approach is central to Vodafone’s ambition to lower costs, enhance flexibility, and accelerate innovation in 5G network rollout.
KT Corporation: Park Yoon-young
At KT Corporation, Park Yoon-young is spearheading an aggressive AI Transformation (AX) roadmap. With over 30 years at the company, Park is positioning KT as an AI platform leader by advancing 6G research and expanding hyperscale data center capacity. His leadership in 2026 is focused on integrating AI across enterprise services and network operations to strengthen KT’s competitive edge in Asia.
Telefonica: Andrea Folgueiras
At Telefonica, Andrea Folgueiras has assumed the role of Chief Technology and Information Officer, tasked with leading sovereign cloud and AI-driven network initiatives. Her 2026 priorities include the development of the EURO-3C sovereign cloud platform and the deployment of AI-based network control systems. These initiatives are designed to ensure data sovereignty while enabling scalable, intelligent network management across multiple regions.
Verizon: Srini Kalapala
At Verizon Communications, Srini Kalapala is redefining network monetization by treating 5G as a programmable platform. As Senior Vice President of Technology and Strategy, he is advancing Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) models, allowing enterprises to access customized network performance through APIs. His 2026 strategy focuses on unlocking new revenue streams from high-performance use cases such as industrial automation and immersive applications.
AT&T: Jeremy Legg
At AT&T, CTO Jeremy Legg is leading a large-scale modernization of legacy infrastructure. His mandate includes migrating core systems to the cloud, deploying AI and machine learning across operations, and transitioning to a 5G standalone core. In 2026, Legg’s focus is on simplifying network architecture while improving efficiency and enabling faster service innovation.
Telkomsel: Andi Kristianto
At Telkomsel, Andi Kristianto is playing a critical role in shaping digital and network transformation through Telkomsel’s ecosystem initiatives. His 2026 focus includes modernizing legacy infrastructure and embedding generative AI into network operations to enhance uptime and service quality. This strategy supports Indonesia’s rapid digital adoption and positions Telkomsel as a leader in Southeast Asia’s telecom market.
STC: Haitham Alfaraj
At Saudi Telecom Company, Group CTO Haitham Alfaraj is advancing large-scale digital transformation under the “Dare” strategy. His mandate for 2026 includes deploying digital twins for real-time network optimization and expanding IoT infrastructure to support smart city initiatives. These efforts are aligned with Saudi Arabia’s broader digital economy and infrastructure ambitions.
Deutsche Telekom: Abdu Mudesir
At Deutsche Telekom, CTO Abdu Mudesir is leading the rollout of 5G Standalone (SA) networks across Europe. A strong advocate of Open RAN and cloud-native architectures, Mudesir is focused on building autonomous, AI-driven networks. His 2026 strategy emphasizes improving network performance, reducing operational complexity, and enabling next-generation services.
Rakuten Mobile: Sharad Sriwastawa
At Rakuten Mobile, CTO and Co-CEO Sharad Sriwastawa continues to pioneer fully virtualized mobile networks. His leadership in 2026 centers on scaling cloud-native RAN and demonstrating the global viability of the Telecom-as-a-Service model through the Rakuten Symphony platform. This approach positions Rakuten as a disruptor capable of exporting its technology stack to other operators worldwide.
Industry Imperatives Driving CTO Leadership in 2026
Three strategic priorities define these appointments. First, the rise of AI-native networks is enabling autonomous operations, where systems can detect, analyze, and resolve issues without human intervention. Second, sovereign cloud and data governance have become critical as operators address regulatory requirements while maintaining scalability. Third, API-driven monetization is transforming telecom networks into programmable platforms, allowing enterprises to purchase network capabilities on demand. Together, these trends highlight how CTOs are now central to shaping the future of telecom as a digital, AI-powered industry.
FASNA SHABEER
