Airtel Africa Announces Leadership Transition: Sunil Taldar to Succeed Olusegun Ogunsanya as CEO

New Delhi, India, Jan 02, 2024: Airtel Africa plc, the African unit of Bharti Airtel, has revealed a significant leadership change as Chief Executive Officer Olusegun “Segun” Ogunsanya is set to retire effective 1 July 2024. The telecommunications veteran, who has been with Airtel since 2012 and served as CEO since 2021, played a pivotal role in maintaining double-digit revenue growth and introducing innovative products across the African continent.

In recognition of his impactful tenure, Mr. Ogunsanya will assume the role of the Airtel Africa Charitable Foundation’s inaugural Chair, focusing on sustainability initiatives, digital inclusion, financial inclusion, access to education, and environmental protection. The Charitable Foundation will operate independently of the Airtel Africa Group, marking a significant step in advancing the company’s commitment to social responsibility.

“I am pleased Segun has agreed, following his retirement, to assume the new role as Chair of the Airtel Africa Charitable Foundation, where he will bring his visionary leadership to this new philanthropic initiative to advance development and prosperity across Africa. Segun will retire from the Board with our very best wishes and sincere appreciation for everything he has achieved,” said Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman, Airtel Africa.

Post-retirement, Mr. Ogunsanya will offer advisory support to the Chairman, the Airtel Africa Board, and the Chief Executive Officer for a 12-month period, ensuring a smooth transition, the company said in a statement.

Airtel Africa plc has appointed Sunil Taldar, currently serving as Director – Transformation since October 2023, as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Taldar will work closely with Mr. Ogunsanya during the transition period and officially assume the CEO role on 1 July 2024. Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Airtel Africa plc, expressed confidence in Mr. Taldar’s strategic vision, industry experience, and customer-focused approach, emphasizing his ability to lead the company in its next stages of development.

Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal expressed gratitude for Mr. Ogunsanya’s significant contributions, highlighting his commitment during his tenure as Chief Executive and Managing Director and CEO of Nigeria, the company’s largest market in Africa. The Chairman expressed delight in Mr. Ogunsanya’s new role as Chair of the Airtel Africa Charitable Foundation, recognizing his visionary leadership.

In a statement, Mr. Ogunsanya reflected on his 12-year career with Airtel Africa, expressing pride in the company’s achievements. He stated, “It has been a privilege to spend over 12 years of my career at Airtel Africa and I am proud of what we have delivered for customers across Africa. We continue to transform lives. Now is the right time for me to handover to a new leader who can build on Airtel Africa’s strengths and deliver on the significant opportunities ahead as I pursue my renewed interest in the empowerment of Africans through digital and financial inclusion in a different capacity beyond the boundaries of for-profit organizations. This has been my ambition after a successful career spanning over 35 years in Banking, FMCG and Telecommunications.” Mr. Ogunsanya plans to pursue a renewed interest in empowering Africans through digital and financial inclusion in a different capacity.

The Board of Airtel Africa plc, confident in the orderly leadership transition, anticipates a seamless handover of responsibilities from Mr. Ogunsanya to Mr. Taldar, ensuring the company’s continued growth and success in the telecommunications sector across Africa.