iWorld
Sunil Bharti Mittal to retire as Airtel Africa chair, Gopal Vittal takes over
Gopal Vittal to take helm while family and sustainability continuity assured
LAGOS: Airtel Africa plc is set for a leadership refresh as Sunil Bharti Mittal announces his retirement as chair at the company’s annual general meeting in July 2026. He has steered the board since its 2019 listing and leaves a legacy of growth across 14 African countries.
Taking the reins will be Gopal Vittal, a telecom stalwart and current board chair of the GSMA, who brings a proven record of driving Bharti Airtel to record market shares. Shravin Bharti Mittal will serve as deputy chair, ensuring continuity with the founding family and acting as a bridge to Airtel Money and the company’s Dubai headquarters.
In another board change, Annika Poutiainen will retire after more than seven years, leaving behind a strong imprint on the audit, risk, and sustainability fronts.
Commenting on the changes, Sunil Bharti Mittal thanked the board and Annika for their support and leadership, noting Airtel Africa’s strategy and leadership team are robust and well-positioned for future growth.
Tsega Gebreyes added that Sunil’s tenure has been instrumental, from Airtel Africa’s 2010 acquisition to its 2019 listing and current FTSE100 standing, praising his global telecom leadership and vision.
The upcoming AGM marks a pivotal moment for Airtel Africa, signalling a smooth transition while reinforcing its commitment to connectivity and growth across the continent.
