Airtel Africa Signals Leadership Transition: CEO Olusegun Ogunsanya to Retire, Sunil Taldar to Assume Role

Airtel Africa plc, a telecommunications and mobile money services giant operating across 14 African countries, announced today a significant leadership transition.

The company disclosed the retirement of Chief Executive Officer Olusegun “Segun” Ogunsanya and the appointment of Sunil Taldar, who joined Airtel Africa in October 2023 as Director – Transformation, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The strategic move comes after a successful tenure under Ogunsanya’s leadership, marked by double-digit revenue growth and the introduction of innovative products across the African market.

As of 1 July 2024, Sunil Taldar will officially assume the role of CEO, succeeding Ogunsanya, who will retire from both the Board and the Company.

In his current role as Director – Transformation, Mr. Taldar has been instrumental in spearheading key strategic initiatives aimed at reshaping Airtel Africa’s business and operations.

With over 30 years of business management experience in the FMCG and Telecommunications sectors, including significant contributions to Bharti Airtel, Cadbury China, and Mondelez India and Indonesia, Mr. Taldar brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.

Building on the foundation laid during Ogunsanya’s tenure, the company aims to continue its growth trajectory and innovation efforts.

Notably, the launch of the Company’s first Sustainability Strategy under Ogunsanya’s leadership has set the stage for Sunil Taldar to further steer Airtel Africa toward its sustainability and charitable initiatives.

Post-retirement, Ogunsanya will transition into the role of the Airtel Africa Charitable Foundation’s inaugural Chair.

The independent Charitable Foundation will focus on promoting digital inclusion, financial inclusion, access to education, and environmental protection across Africa.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Airtel Africa plc, expressed gratitude for Ogunsanya’s contributions, stating, “Under Segun’s leadership, Airtel Africa has maintained double-digit revenue growth and continued to deliver new, industry-leading products to our customers across Africa.”

He further commended Ogunsanya for taking on the role of Chair for the Airtel Africa Charitable Foundation, emphasizing his visionary leadership in advancing development and prosperity across the continent.

Speaking on the appointment of Sunil Taldar, Mittal said, “The Board is delighted to appoint Sunil Taldar as the Group’s next Chief Executive Officer. His industry experience, strategic vision, constant customer focus, and proven record of delivery will enable him to deliver our strategic objectives and lead the Group in the next stages of its development.”

Ogunsanya, reflecting on his over 12 years at Airtel Africa, expressed pride in the company’s achievements and highlighted the continued transformation of lives across the continent.

He stated, “Now is the right time to hand over to a new leader who can build on Airtel Africa’s strengths and deliver on the significant opportunities ahead as I pursue my renewed interest in the empowerment of Africans through digital and financial inclusion in a different capacity.”

As Sunil Taldar steps into the CEO role, the leadership transition is expected to be seamless, leveraging the ongoing effectiveness of Ogunsanya’s leadership during the transition period.

With Taldar’s industry acumen and Ogunsanya’s continued advisory role post-retirement, Airtel Africa looks set for a promising future under new leadership.