Ajit Pai
Ajit Pai is a former Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission and a recognized leader in telecommunications, media, and technology policy. During his tenure at the FCC, Pai championed regulatory modernization, updated rules to reflect marketplace realities, and prioritized consumer-focused, market-based solutions. With over 20 years of public service, Pai has served across all branches of the federal government, including significant roles at the FCC, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Senate. Prior to his FCC leadership, he was a Partner at Jenner & Block and In-House Counsel at Verizon, advising on corporate strategy, regulatory compliance, and telecommunications law. Today, Pai is a Partner at Searchlight Capital, a global investment firm, where he focuses on strategic investments in telecommunications, media, and technology sectors. Leveraging his deep regulatory and industry expertise, he advises on investment strategy, operational growth, and market opportunities for high-profile companies and emerging innovators.
Ajit Pai Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Partner
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Chairman
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Commissioner
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Deputy General Counsel
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Senior Counsel
Academic History
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J.D., Doctor of Law
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B.A., With Honors
CURRENT AFFILIATIONS
Partner, Searchlight Capital
Non-Resident Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
At-Large Trustee, America's Public Television Stations
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Ajit Pai’s distinguished career at the FCC includes two presidential appointments and two leadership roles.
He was designated Chairman of the FCC by former President Donald Trump in 2017 and previously served as Commissioner following his appointment by President Barack Obama.
During his tenure as Chairman, Pai led major initiatives to close the digital divide, advance U.S. leadership in 5G, Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN), Wi-Fi 6, and other emerging wireless technologies.
He also championed policies to promote innovation, protect consumers, public safety, and national security, and transform the FCC into a more open, transparent, and data-driven agency.
EARLY CAREER
Prior to his FCC roles, Pai held several key positions across government and the private sector.
At the U.S. Department of Justice, he led national security initiatives and developed strategies for implementing judicial and executive orders.
He also served on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, advising on national security, telecommunications, antitrust, and related issues.
In the private sector, Pai was Associate General Counsel at Verizon, where he helped create the legal and regulatory framework for broadband development.
He also clerked as a Judicial Law Clerk at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
MEDIA PRESENCE
Ajit Pai has been widely cited in major media outlets, including Bloomberg, Business Insider, CNBC, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Politico, and Fox Business.
He has also appeared as a guest on Real Vision, offering insights on telecommunications, technology policy, and digital infrastructure.