Airtel Africa names Gopal Vittal new chairman as Sunil Mittal exits after 7 years in the role

Sunil Bharti Mittal is stepping down as chairman of Airtel Africa after seven years in the role. In line with this, the company is naming Gopal Vittal as his successor ahead of its annual general meeting in July 2026.

Mittal, who has chaired the London-listed telecoms group since it went public in 2019, informed the board of his decision to retire. His tenure covers the company’s full run as a listed business, from its early acquisition phase in 2010 through its eventual entry into the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 and expansion across 14 African countries.

Shravin Bharti Mittal will take up the role of deputy chair from July, serving as a bridge between the board, the founding family and key shareholders, while also sitting on the Airtel Money board and interfacing with the company’s Dubai headquarters.

Non-executive director Annika Poutiainen will also retire at the AGM after more than seven years on the board.

“It has been an honour to lead Airtel Africa in this capacity,” Mittal said in a statement. “Airtel Africa has a solid strategy and an outstanding leadership team in place, so I am confident that now is the time for me to step aside.”

Senior independent director Tsega Gebreyes described Mittal as “a titan of the global telecommunications industry,” crediting him with guiding the company through its listing and years of continental growth.

Gopal Vittal: The man taking over Airtel Africa

Vittal is not walking into an unfamiliar room. He joined Airtel Africa’s board as a non-executive director in October 2024 and currently serves as executive vice chairman of Bharti Airtel, the parent company.

During his 12 years as managing director and chief executive of Bharti Airtel, the company’s market share grew from 30% to 40%, and its market capitalisation crossed $100 billion, a fivefold increase.

He also chairs the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), the global body representing over 1,100 mobile operators worldwide, making him only the second Indian to hold that position after Mittal himself.

He was appointed through nomination by the controlling shareholder, as per a 2019 relationship agreement between Bharti Airtel, Airtel Africa Mauritius, and Bharti Telecom.

However, the company has noted that Vittal will not be deemed independent under the UK Corporate Governance Code.

Airtel Africa offers telecommunications and mobile money services under the Airtel and Airtel Money brands in 14 African countries.

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