iWorld
VOOT plans to launch separate app for kids
MUMBAI: Viacom 18’s latest offering, its OTT arm VOOT, is banking heavily on the network’s rich kids content. Not only that, it plans to go beyond the network’s flagship shows like Motu Patlu and Shiva, and acquire kids content from an array of producers, small and large.
The OTT player has already acquired digital rights to internationally acclaimed properties like Pokémon and Chhota Bheem for the platform that went live yesterday.
“The idea is to bring together the top character shows under one digital platform to make the most of this booming market for kids content online with the aim being a market leader in the domain,” said Viacom 18 Digital Ventures COO Gaurav Gandhi.
When quizzed about the possibility of VOOT launching a separate app for kids, Gandhi shared that they are considering it ‘within a year’s’ time. Currently the OTT platform has a separate section for kids’ content within the same app.
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.
