New Delhi, Jul 2 (IANS): The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) on Thursday announced the appointment of Ajai Puri, Chief Operating Officer (India and South Asia), Bharti Airtel as its Chairman for the year 2020-21.

The telecom industry body concluded its Annual General Body Meeting for the Financial Year 2019-20, with the announcement of its leadership for the term 2020-21.

Pramod Kumar Mittal, President, Reliance Jio Infocomm, will be the Vice Chairman of the Association, said a COAI statement.

Puri has been with Bharti Airtel since 2004, and has held several senior leadership positions including Director for Market Operations and Director and CEO, DTH, it said.

Mittal of Reliance Jio comes with a rich experience of 42 years in telecommunications.

Puri said: "It is a privilege for me to take on this role and I would like to thank all the members of COAI for considering me worthy of this responsibility. The digital communications industry has once again risen to serve India and has kept the nation connected during this unprecedented phase."

Mittal said: "It's a pleasure to take the responsibility as Vice Chairman of COAI and continue to work with the industry to bring about the nextlevel of reforms in order to uplift and strengthen the sector while initiating measures for the benefit of end consumers."

COAI DG Mathews said that as the industry continues to play its critical role, the future has a lot in store for it with the ecosystem gearing up for 5G.