Ajit Pai joined CTIA as its President and CEO in April 2025. He joined CTIA from Searchlight Capital Partners, a leading global private investment firm, where he served as a partner since 2021.

Prior to Searchlight, Mr. Pai had a distinguished public service career at the Federal Communications Commission. He was designated FCC Chairman by President Donald Trump, and during his tenure, he led major initiatives to help close the digital divide, promote U.S. leadership in 5G, encourage innovation, and safeguard consumers and national security.

Mr. Pai was appointed to the FCC as Commissioner in 2012 by President Barack Obama. He graduated with honors from Harvard University and the University of Chicago Law School.