AS03: Has telecoms lost its leaders?

With a record 14 of this year's Agenda Setters deemed to be wearing some kind of political hat it was clear at an early stage that certain types of individual would lose out - and it looks like those involved with fixed and mobile telecoms are one such group.

Let's get on to those who didn't make the cut in a moment because what this does mean is that those who made the cut must deserve to be there.

Highest up this year is a relative newcomer in terms of worldwide influence. When Arun Sarin took over as CEO of Vodafone this summer it marked a significant handing over of the baton at the world's largest mobile operator. Besides the small matter of his mighty empire building, outgoing Sir Christopher Gent was also a previous poll winner, topping AS2000.

Now make no mistake, Sarin is an accomplished telecoms executive with years at Pacific Telesis / AirTouch - where he first encountered and impressed Vodafone - under his belt. He may be more of a manager than deal-maker, better suited to the phase Vodafone and the market is entering, but at 13 he leads the telecoms pack.

Ajay Chowdhury, VC and AS03 panellist, said: "Wireless data is happening, it will continue to happen and it will grow very fast. I've picked Arun Sarin because Vodafone just happens to be the biggest operator in the world and the fact that Vodafone live! kick started [mobile data]."

Not gilt-edged reasons, perhaps, but then it's also not hard to imagine this well-respected Indian ably heading up any number of world-class organisations.

A man in a similar position to Sarin is...

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