Tue Oct 29 09:18:36 UTC 2024: ## Airtel Announces Shashwat Sharma as New CEO, Gopal Vittal Takes on Vice Chairman Role
**New Delhi, India** – Bharti Airtel announced today that Shashwat Sharma, the company’s current Chief Operating Officer, will become the Managing Director & CEO, effective January 1, 2026. This follows the elevation of Gopal Vittal to Vice Chairman, also effective January 1, 2026. Vittal has served as the Managing Director & CEO for the past twelve years.
Sharma, a graduate of Delhi College of Engineering and IIM, will oversee Airtel’s consumer business. He will be mentored by Vittal during the transition period.
Vittal, who will be joining the board of Airtel Africa Plc, will focus on streamlining group collaborations in areas like network planning, digital technology, procurement, and talent development.
During Vittal’s tenure, Airtel saw significant growth, expanding its service portfolio and increasing its mobile services’ revenue market share from 30% to 40%. The company’s market value also increased fivefold, surpassing the $100 billion mark.
Airtel Chairman Sunil Mittal expressed his satisfaction with the succession plan, stating that it will ensure a smooth transition while maintaining continuity within the company.
Vittal is expected to split his time between Delhi and Bangalore with frequent travel to ensure smooth leadership across the organization.
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