Bharti Airtel Announces Leadership Changes

Gopal Vittal has led Bharti Airtel as Managing Director CCEO for the last thirteen years. As part of a structured succession process, Gopal, in addition to being the Managing Director, was appointed Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel Ltd in October 2024. Shashwat Sharma was appointed CEO designate of the Company.

In line with the planned succession, Gopal Vittal will move into the role of Executive Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel on the 1st of January2026 overseeing Bharti Airtel and all its subsidiaries.

Following a well-structured and successful transition process, Gopal will be succeeded by Shashwat Sharmaas MD and CEO of Bharti Airtel India on the1st of January2026.

Additionally, Soumen Ray, currently the Chief Financial Officer for Bharti Airtel India, will be appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer reporting to Gopal.

AkhilGarg, currently Financial Controller, Bharti Airtel will be appointed as Chief Financial Officer for Bharti Airtel India.

RohitPuri, currently Joint Company Secretary CCompliance Officer, will be appointed as Company Secretary CCompliance Officer for Bharti Airtel. Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman, Bharti Airtel said:‘I am extremely pleased with the succession and transition of leadership at Airtel and there could not have been a better time, where change and continuity will go hand in hand. I have no doubt both Gopal and Shashwat will continue to build on the momentum and I wish them much success in their roles."