Industry association CTIA elected EVP and CEO of Verizon Business Kyle Malady (pictured) as its new chair effective immediately, replacing former UScellular boss Laurent Therivel who held the role for eight months.

The CTIA said Malady, who was vice chairman of the association, is an industry expert with four decades of experience in deploying and managing world-class telecommunications networks.

Malady was elected vice chair on 1 January 2025, the same time Therivel was named chair.

Therivel’s stint was cut short after he left UScellular, with the bulk of its wireless assets acquired by T-Mobile US in a $4.4 billion deal completed earlier this month.

Malady has been CEO of Verizon Business since March 2023, after serving as head of Global Networks and Technology.

The appointment marks the second big change at the CTIA in 2025, with former Federal Communications chair Ajit Pai appointed president and CEO in April.

He replaced Meredith Attwell Baker, who retired after serving as chief since 2014.

Pai said Malady is an accomplished, well-respect leader in the industry with a background in technology and business. “We are fortunate that he is assuming this role during a pivotal time for the wireless industry.”

Malady added the CTIA’s mission is vital to advancing the US’ wireless infrastructure, enabling new technologies and rapid AI innovation.