Bharti Airtel has announced significant leadership changes effective January 1, 2026. Gopal Vittal will become Executive Vice Chairman, while Shashwat Sharma will take over as Managing Director & CEO (Airtel India). Soumen Ray will be the Group Chief Financial Officer, and Akhil Garg will become the Chief Financial Officer (Airtel India). These changes aim to drive the company’s next phase of growth and innovation.
Executive Leadership Transition
Effective January 1, 2026, Gopal Vittal, currently Vice Chairman & Managing Director, will assume the role of Executive Vice Chairman. This appointment is for a term of five years and is subject to shareholder approval.
New MD & CEO Appointment
Shashwat Sharma, currently CEO Designate, will be appointed as Managing Director & CEO (Airtel India) and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP), effective January 1, 2026. The term is for five years, pending shareholder approval. Sharma will report to Gopal Vittal.
CFO Appointments
Soumen Ray, the current Chief Financial Officer, will take on the role of Group Chief Financial Officer, starting January 1, 2026. Akhil Garg will be appointed as Chief Financial Officer (Airtel India) and KMP, also effective January 1, 2026.
Company Secretary Update
Rohit Krishan Puri, currently Joint Company Secretary & Compliance Officer, will be appointed as the Company Secretary & Compliance Officer from January 1, 2026. Pankaj Tewari will continue to provide leadership and oversight at the group level.
Chairman’s Statement
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Airtel, expressed his pleasure with the succession and transition of leadership, stating that the timing is ideal for change and continuity. He conveyed confidence in both Gopal and Shashwat to continue building on the company’s momentum.
Source: BSE
