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Arun Sarin is an independent investor, corporate board member, and the lead independent director at Accenture plc, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Group plc from 2003 to 2008, directing the telecommunications company's global expansion. Before his tenure at Vodafone, Sarin held management positions at Pacific Telesis Group and served as President and Chief Operating Officer of AirTouch Communications. He has maintained an extensive corporate governance portfolio over the past two decades, including directorships at Cisco, Charles Schwab, and the Bank of England. Recently, he stepped down as Chairman of automotive software firm Cerence Inc. in February 2025 while continuing his board service at Ola Electric Mobility Limited. His current focus centers on advising and investing across the telecommunications, enterprise technology, and electric vehicle sectors.
Arun Sarin stands as a towering figure in the global telecommunications and technology sectors, renowned for his strategic vision and leadership. Best known for his impactful five-year tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Group Plc, Sarin has consistently been at the forefront of digital innovation and global business expansion. His career trajectory showcases a profound understanding of market dynamics and a commitment to leveraging technology for widespread connectivity and economic growth.
Sarin's journey to the pinnacle of the telecom industry began with a strong foundation in engineering and business. After earning his Bachelor of Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, he embarked on a career that saw him rise through the ranks at Pacific Telesis Group. He later became President and Chief Operating Officer of AirTouch Communications, playing a pivotal role in its growth before its acquisition by Vodafone in 1999. This experience provided him with invaluable insights into the complexities of international mergers and large-scale operational integration.
As CEO of Vodafone from 2003 to 2008, Arun Sarin spearheaded a period of significant expansion and strategic realignment. He was instrumental in growing Vodafone's global subscriber base, particularly in emerging markets, and in shifting the company's focus towards data services and mobile internet. His leadership navigated Vodafone through a rapidly evolving technological landscape, solidifying its position as a global leader in mobile communications. Sarin's strategic decisions during this period laid much of the groundwork for the mobile data revolution we see today.
Following his departure from Vodafone, Sarin transitioned into a highly influential role as a senior advisor to private equity firms and as a non-executive director for numerous prominent companies. He has served as a Senior Advisor at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), one of the world's leading investment firms, where his expertise in the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sectors has been invaluable. In this capacity, he provides strategic guidance on potential investments, portfolio company operations, and market trends, helping KKR identify and nurture high-growth opportunities.
Arun Sarin's investment focus areas are deeply rooted in his career experience. He is particularly interested in telecommunications infrastructure, digital transformation, software, and emerging technologies that promise to disrupt industries and enhance global connectivity. His advisory roles often involve evaluating companies with strong intellectual property, scalable business models, and significant potential for international expansion. Beyond KKR, Sarin has lent his strategic acumen to the boards of diverse companies, including Cisco Systems, Safeway Inc., Accenture, Ola Cabs, and Cerence, demonstrating his broad influence across various technology-driven sectors. His contributions typically involve guiding corporate strategy, fostering innovation, and ensuring robust governance. Through these roles, Arun Sarin continues to shape the future of technology and global business.
Arun Sarin is a distinguished global business leader, best known as the former Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Group Plc. He is also a prominent advisor to private equity firms and serves on the boards of several leading technology and telecommunications companies.
Arun Sarin's investment focus primarily lies in the telecommunications, technology, and digital transformation sectors. Through his advisory roles, particularly with firms like KKR, he provides strategic guidance on investments in areas such as software, mobile infrastructure, and emerging technologies with global growth potential.
Arun Sarin currently serves as a Senior Advisor to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), a leading global investment firm. Additionally, he holds non-executive director positions on the boards of various prominent companies, including Cisco Systems, Accenture, and Ola Cabs, among others.
