The GSM Association (GSMA) has announced that Rob Conway, the Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of the GSMA, will step down as CEO effective September 1, 2011 after leading the organisation for 12 years.

“I am very proud of the many industry-leading initiatives and contributions that the Gsma has made during my leadership, including the growth of the premier industry event in the Mobile World Congress, through to initiatives such as the Development Fund which has driven innovative approaches to connecting people at the bottom of the economic pyramid,” said Conway.

“After 12 years I feel very good that I am leaving the GSMA in the best possible position to address the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

The GSMA Board will commence a search process to identify a new CEO.