Thomas Lips Elected as New Chair of the O-RAN ALLIANCE Board, Promising Innovation
The O-RAN ALLIANCE has appointed Thomas Lips as its new Chair of the Board, effective August 28, 2025. Lips, who serves as the Senior Vice President of RAN Disaggregation & Enablement at Deutsche Telekom, will lead the organization with a vision to advance Radio Access Networks (RAN) towards being more open, intelligent, virtualized, and fully interoperable. With a formidable background in telecommunications, comprised of over 25 years of experience, he replaces Dr. Abdurazak Mudesir, under whose leadership the O-RAN ALLIANCE made significant strides in its mission.
Lips' appointment comes at a time when the telecommunications industry is witnessing rapid changes driven by technology advancements. His extensive experience, particularly in developing and commercializing disaggregated RAN solutions, positions him uniquely to drive the objectives of the O-RAN ALLIANCE forward. He has also served in key roles such as Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO) in various organizations, demonstrating a consistent track record of leadership within the industry.
In his statement following his election, Lips emphasized the pressing need for transformation in the realm of RAN: "O-RAN ALLIANCE has been laying the foundation for open and disaggregated RAN, enabling faster adoption of intelligent solutions for more efficient networks." He highlighted his commitment to ensuring that the O-RAN ALLIANCE remains a pivotal force in this transformation.
The primary goals that Lips anticipates focusing on during his tenure include supporting large-scale open RAN deployments globally and establishing a framework conducive to AI-enabled open RAN. This is particularly crucial as the industry looks to harness the power of artificial intelligence to create autonomous, intelligent networks that can respond dynamically to the evolving demands of users and operators alike.
The O-RAN ALLIANCE itself is a revered global community that unites mobile operators, technology vendors, research institutions, and governmental bodies with a vested interest in RAN technology. Its mission centers on redefining the landscape of mobile networks to foster competition, encourage innovation, and enhance the overall user experience. By emphasizing openness and interoperability, O-RAN specifications aim to expedite the innovation rate among RAN suppliers, facilitating more efficient operations within mobile networks.
Moreover, the initiatives led by the O-RAN ALLIANCE promise to produce specifications that pave the way for new software solutions and offer resources to its members, aiding in the integration and testing of their implementations. As the industry continues to evolve, Lips' leadership is expected to inspire new developments and partnerships that could reshape the landscape of telecommunications and stimulate significant growth and collaboration across sectors.
The future looks promising under Thomas Lips' stewardship, as he advocates for a transition to open, intelligent RAN ecosystems that leverage current technologies to enhance network capabilities. For those interested in gaining further insights into the ongoing initiatives of the O-RAN ALLIANCE, more information is available at www.o-ran.org.