Sunil Bharti Mittal to Step Down as Airtel Africa Chairman in July
NEW DELHI — Bharti Airtel founder Sunil Bharti Mittal will step down as chairman of Airtel Africa at the conclusion of the company’s annual general meeting in July 2026, the telecom firm said Wednesday.
The company announced that Gopal Vittal will take over as non-executive chairman from the same date.
Mittal has led Airtel Africa as chairman since its listing in 2019, with the board acknowledging his leadership and contributions during a period of significant growth.
Vittal, currently a non-executive director of Airtel Africa and a veteran telecom executive, has been nominated by the controlling shareholder in accordance with existing agreements.
As part of the leadership transition, Shravin Bharti Mittal will assume the role of deputy chairman, maintaining continuity with the promoter group and serving as a key link between the board, Airtel Money operations, and the company’s headquarters in Dubai.
Separately, board member Annika Poutiainen will retire at the conclusion of the July AGM after more than seven years of service.
Mittal said it had been an honor to lead Airtel Africa and expressed confidence in the company’s future direction.
“I want to extend my thanks to the Board of Airtel Africa for their support to me as Chairman. Airtel Africa has a solid strategy and an outstanding leadership team in place, the strength of which is evident in recent results, so I am confident that now is the time for me to step aside as Chair,” he said.
“It has been an honour to lead Airtel Africa in this capacity, and I know the company will continue to prosper and to advance the transformative power of connectivity to the millions of customers we serve across 14 African countries. I have offered my services and will be available to support the company as requested by the Chair,” he added.
Senior independent director Tsega Gebreyes also credited Mittal with guiding Airtel Africa through its expansion, from its acquisition phase to its listing and its current position in the FTSE 100 index. (Source: IANS)
