The Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF), the global trade association representing the mobile ecosystem, has appointed five new Directors following its 2026 Board elections. The appointments strengthen leadership in mobile messaging, connectivity, and anti-fraud efforts.
Elections were conducted over the past three weeks, with results announced on 5th March 2026 at the MEF Global Forum held at Casa Llotja de Mar in Barcelona, Spain. The two-day event, from 1st–2nd March, brought together industry leaders to discuss innovation and challenges in the mobile sector.
5 positions were open for election. The newly elected directors are:
- Dr Marco Lafrentz, VP business and market development, netnumber
- Amelia Newsom-Davis, director – payment, messaging and identity, Orange
- Robert Gerstmann, chief evangelist and co-founder, Sinch
- Claudine Bell, partner, business manager – messaging and payments, Telefonica
- Dr Andreas Mann, senior portfolio manager, messaging, Vodafone
They join the existing board, which includes:
- Dario Betti, CEO, Mobile Ecosystem Forum
- Rafael Pellon, partner, Pellon de Lima Advogados
- Stephanie Lashley, VP messaging strategic alliances and infrastructure, Bandwidth Inc
- Ramy Riad, director, innovation and messaging strategy, Cisco
- Matthew Bisoffi, head of business management, operations and insights, CKH IOD
- Rajiv Singla, CEO global messaging, Globe TeleServices (GTS)
- Brian Darcy, director, global telecoms business development, Infobip
- Waheed Adam, executive chairman, iTouch Messaging Services
- Tim Ward, fellow, Xconnect
The newly elected directors bring expertise in messaging, connectivity, security, payments, and digital infrastructure. Their diverse backgrounds from leading operators and technology providers reinforce MEF’s role as a key voice in the global mobile ecosystem.
Over the coming year, the board will focus on advancing innovation in messaging, bolstering anti-fraud measures, and promoting privacy, trust, and sustainable growth in the mobile industry.
Candidates submitted short videos outlining their potential contributions, and full MEF members voted online to select their preferred individuals.
“MEF’s Board attracts some of the brightest talent in the mobile ecosystem, who work together to set the strategy for the organisation and ensure good governance. As a global organisation, covering the entire mobile ecosystem I am pleased once again to see our Board reflect this range of expertise,” said MEF CEO Dario Betti.
Established in 2000 and headquartered in the UK, the Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF) serves as an impartial advocate for the broadening mobile ecosystem. It focuses on cross-industry best practices, anti-fraud initiatives, and monetisation opportunities. The organisation provides members with platforms for global networking, collaboration, and the development of industry solutions.
This announcement aligns with MEF’s ongoing efforts to foster collaboration amid rapid technological changes, including advancements in messaging channels, identity verification, and secure digital services. The inclusion of leaders from Orange, Vodafone, Telefonica, Sinch, and netnumber highlights MEF’s commitment to representing varied perspectives in shaping the future of mobile communications.