Major telecom company Bharti Airtel announced that its founder, Sunil Bharti Mittal, will resign as Chairman of Airtel Africa after the company’s annual general meeting in July 2026. Gopal Vittal will then take over as Non-Executive Chairman of Airtel Africa from the same date.
Sunil Bharti Mittal has been the Chairman of Airtel Africa since its listing in 2019, and the Board recognized his leadership and contributions during this period. Gopal Vittal, a current non-executive director of Airtel Africa and an experienced telecom industry leader, has been nominated by the controlling shareholder in accordance with existing agreements.
Additionally, Shravin Bharti Mittal will assume the role of Deputy Chairman to ensure continuity within the promoter group and serve as a vital link between the Board, Airtel Money operations, and the company’s headquarters in Dubai. Annika Poutiainen will retire from the Board following the July AGM after more than seven years of service.
Sunil Bharti Mittal expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Airtel Africa and conveyed confidence in the company’s future strategy and leadership team. He praised the Board for their support during his tenure and highlighted the company’s strong strategy and exceptional leadership team, which have reflected in recent positive results.
The company’s senior independent director, Tsega Gebreyes, acknowledged Mittal’s significant role in steering Airtel Africa’s growth journey, from its initial acquisitions to its listing and current position in the FTSE 100 index.
