Sunil Taldar appointed Airtel Africa CEO as Segun Ogunsanya retires

Airtel Africa plc, a leading telecommunications and mobile money company, has officially communicated the retirement of its Chief Executive Officer, Segun Ogunsanya, effective from July 1, 2024. Mr. Ogunsanya, who has been at the helm since 2021, played a pivotal role in the company’s success, notably leading the Nigeria Operations for nine years before assuming the Group CEO role. Under his leadership, Airtel Africa experienced sustained double-digit revenue growth, marked by innovative product launches across the continent.

Philanthropic Initiative: Airtel Africa Charitable Foundation

Building on his impactful legacy, Mr. Ogunsanya will take on the role of the inaugural Chair of the Airtel Africa Charitable Foundation. This newly established foundation is set to propel the company’s commitment to sustainability and charitable initiatives across Africa. Operating as a separate legal entity, independent of the Airtel Africa Group, the Charitable Foundation will focus on digital inclusion, financial inclusion, access to education, and environmental protection.

The Chairman of Airtel Africa plc, Sunil Bharti Mittal, expressed gratitude for Mr. Ogunsanya’s significant contributions and announced that Mr. Ogunsanya will also be available for advisory roles for a 12-month period following his retirement.

Leadership Succession: Sunil Taldar Appointed CEO

In the wake of Mr. Ogunsanya’s retirement, Airtel Africa plc has appointed Mr. Sunil Taldar as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Taldar, who joined the company in October 2023 as Director – Transformation, will work alongside Mr. Ogunsanya during the transition period. After this transitional phase, Mr. Taldar will be appointed to the Board as an Executive Director and officially assume the role of CEO on July 1, 2024.

Mr. Segun Ogunsanya expressed his pride in Airtel Africa’s accomplishments during his tenure and highlighted the transformative impact the company has had on lives across the continent. He took over from Raghunath Mandava as the CEO of Airtel Africa in 2021 being the first African to occupy the position. He conveyed his confidence in the leadership transition and expressed his ambition to contribute to the empowerment of Africans through digital and financial inclusion in a new capacity.

The Board expressed their appreciation for Mr. Ogunsanya’s leadership and welcomed Mr. Taldar, citing his industry experience, strategic vision, and customer-focused approach as assets that will drive the company’s strategic objectives in its next phase of development. The orderly leadership transition is expected to ensure continuity and the seamless handover of responsibilities.