Airtel Africa appoints Olusegun Ogunsanya as new CEO

Airtel Africa has appointed Olusegun Ogunsanya as the new managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) with effect from October 1, 2021.

In a statement by the telecom giant on Thursday, Ogunsanya joined the company in 2021 as MD/CEO of Airtel Nigeria and will take over from Raghunath Mandava who informed the board of his intention to retire.

According to the statement, Ogunsanya has more than 25 years business management experience in banking, consumer goods and telecoms.

Before joining Airtel, he held roles at Coca-Cola in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya (as MD and CEO); MD of the Nigerian Bottling Company; and group head of retail banking operations at Ecobank.

Airtel said Mandava will be retiring on September 30, 2021 as a director and member of the market disclosure committee in the company.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, chairman of Airtel Group, said: “We are delighted to appoint Segun Ogunsanya as the Group’s next Chief Executive Officer. He has displayed significant drive and energy in turning around the Nigeria business by focusing on network modernisation, distribution, and operational efficiency.

“On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Raghu Mandava for being instrumental in successfully leading and transforming Airtel Africa into a powerhouse telecommunications and mobile money company”.

Commenting on his retirement, Mandava said: “It has been a privilege to serve in the African continent and I cherish my time here. Having been at Bharti Airtel for 13 years and at Airtel Africa for 5 years as Chief Executive Officer, I feel now is the right time to take a sabbatical.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved over the past 5 years in Africa, and I look forward to seeing the Company make even greater progress over the coming years”.

Ogunsanya said: “On a personal note, as an African, I feel honoured to have the opportunity to lead a Group that continues to make a difference to millions of people, bridge the digital divide and expand financial inclusion.

“This is an exciting opportunity to position Airtel Africa for further success in a dynamic continent full of potential. I look forward to building on the achievements of the last five years during Raghu’s leadership”.

Additionally, Jaideep Paul, chief financial officer of Airtel Africa, has been appointed as an executive director in the company and will join the board effective from June 1, 2021.