Airtel Nigeria has announced Carl Cruz as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Networks Limited (Nigeria), taking over from C Surendran.
His effective commencement date is Friday, 5th of May 2023.
Before joining Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz was the CEO and Managing Director of Unilever in West Africa, with responsibility and oversight for three listed companies in the region, including operations in Nigeria, Ghana, and Francophone Africa.
Mr Cruz has over 31 years of business and corporate experience in various countries across Asia and Africa, having occupied key management roles in Unilever Philippines and Hindustan Unilever India, and serving as Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Sri Lanka.
In the performance of his responsibilities, Mr Cruz will join the Executive Committee as the Regional Operating Director reporting to the Airtel Africa Group CEO, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, as well as the Board of Airtel Networks Limited (Nigeria).
Throughout his career, Mr Cruz has managed strategic and directional responsibility in sales, distribution, customer and brand development, trade development and commercial engagement. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management from the University of De La Salle, Philippines.
Speaking on the new appointment, Airtel Africa Group CEO, Segun Ogunsanya, said, “Mr Cruz has a solid record of accomplishment as a strategic and transformational business leader who thrives on problem solving and building strong teams to deliver business growth. We look forward to working with him to steer our largest region and to deliver on our corporate purpose of transforming lives.”
