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Bharti Airtel names Rahul Vatts as director, corporate affairs and group chief regulatory officer
Telecom veteran to lead policy, regulatory strategy and government engagement efforts
NEW DELHI: Bharti Airtel has expanded the responsibilities of Rahul Vatts, appointing him as director, corporate affairs and group chief regulatory officer as the telecom major strengthens its focus on policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement and regulatory strategy.
The move comes as Airtel continues to diversify beyond its traditional telecom operations, increasing the importance of government relations, public policy and regulatory engagement in supporting its broader business ambitions.
In his expanded role, Vatts will head the corporate affairs function, oversee engagement with industry bodies and government stakeholders, and help shape the company’s public policy agenda. He will also serve as Airtel’s primary interface with regulators and government authorities while continuing to drive its regulatory strategy.
A seasoned telecom executive with close to three decades of experience, Vatts joined Airtel in April 2020 as chief regulatory officer. Since then, he has played a key role in navigating an increasingly complex policy environment and supporting the company’s regulatory priorities across its businesses.
The appointment reflects Airtel’s efforts to further strengthen its corporate affairs capabilities as digital services, connectivity, enterprise solutions and emerging technologies become increasingly intertwined with public policy considerations.
Vatts will continue to serve on the Airtel Management Board. In addition, he will be inducted onto the Board of Bharti Airtel Foundation, a move aimed at aligning the Foundation’s activities more closely with the company’s broader strategic and social objectives.
An alumnus of Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and The Wharton School, Vatts brings a blend of regulatory expertise, policy understanding and industry leadership to the expanded role.
The elevation highlights how regulatory engagement is becoming increasingly central to business strategy in the digital era. As telecom operators evolve into broader technology and connectivity providers, Airtel’s latest leadership move signals its intent to stay closely aligned with both policymakers and the markets it serves.
