Airtel Africa plc, a prominent telecommunications and mobile money services provider, has announced significant changes to its Board of Directors. Sunil Bharti Mittal, who has served as the Chair since the company’s listing in 2019, will retire at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in July 2026. Gopal Vittal has been appointed as the new Non-Executive Chair of the Board, effective from the same date.
Gopal Vittal’s appointment comes as a nomination from the controlling shareholder, in accordance with the relationship agreement dated 17 June 2019. Vittal is a seasoned telecoms leader, having led Bharti Airtel to achieve a lifetime high revenue market share in a highly competitive market. He currently serves as the Board Chair of the GSMA and was appointed as a non-executive director of Airtel Africa in October 2024.
In addition to Vittal’s appointment, Shravin Bharti Mittal will take on the role of Deputy Chair, ensuring continuity with the founding family and significant shareholder. He will also act as the Board’s liaison with the Airtel Money Board and Airtel Africa’s headquarters in Dubai.
The company also announced the retirement of Annika Poutiainen, a Non-Executive Director, who will step down after the July AGM. She has served for over seven years and has been instrumental in the Audit & Risk Committee and in establishing the Group’s sustainability strategy.
Sunil Bharti Mittal expressed his gratitude towards Annika Poutiainen for her contributions and thanked the Board of Airtel Africa for their support during his tenure. He stated, “Airtel Africa has a solid strategy and an outstanding leadership team in place, the strength of which is evident in recent results.”
Tsega Gebreyes, the Senior Independent Director, acknowledged Sunil Bharti Mittal’s dedicated service and his role in guiding Airtel Africa to its current achievements, including its place in the FTSE100.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a regulatory filing submitted to the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).