Airtel Africa has announced Gopal Vittal as its new board chair, replacing Sunil Bharti Mittal who has informed the Board of his intention to retire as Chair of the Board at the conclusion of this year’s AGM in July 2026. Sunil Mittal has served as Chair since listing in 2019.
Mr. Vittal’s appointment is by nomination of the controlling shareholder pursuant to the terms of the relationship agreement dated 17 June 2019 between the Company, Bharti Airtel, Airtel Africa Mauritius Limited, the majority shareholder and an indirect subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, and Bharti Telecom.
About Gopal Vittal
Gopal Vittal is an established telecoms leader who led Bharti Airtel to a lifetime high revenue market share in an intensely competitive market and is the current Board Chair of the GSMA. He was appointed a non-executive director of Airtel Africa in October 2024.
Shravin Bharti Mittal will assume the role of Deputy Chair with effect from the same date. As Deputy Chair, Mr Mittal will ensure continuity with the founding family and a significant shareholder and will be the Board’s conduit to the Airtel Money Board, on which he serves, and to Airtel Africa’s headquarters in Dubai, where he is based.
