Airtel Africa chair Sunil Bharti Mittal to retire

Details: Manny Pham; Category: Operators; 26 March 2026; 7117 views

Airtel Africa chair Sunil Bharti Mittal will retire from his position later this year, with Bharti Airtel CEO Gopal Vittal set to succeed him.

Mittal, who also serves as executive vice chairman of Bharti Airtel, will step down at the end of the operator’s AGM in July. He has held the role since 2019 and has been credited with steering the business to a “lifetime high revenue market share” despite intense competition.

Shravin Bharti Mittal will assume the role of deputy chair from the same date. Airtel Africa said the appointment will “ensure continuity with the founding family and significant shareholder”. He will also act as a conduit between the board and the Airtel Money board, on which he serves, as well as with Airtel Africa’s headquarters in Dubai, where he is based.

Mittal said: “It has been an honour to lead Airtel Africa in this capacity, and I know the company will continue to prosper and advance the transformative power of connectivity to the millions of customers we serve across 14 African countries. I have offered my services and will be available to support the company as requested by the chair.”