Big news from Airtel: Sunil Mittal will retire from this position; he will be given a major responsibility.:Sunil Mittal will retire from the post of Chairman in July 2026.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Airtel Africa on Wednesday announced that Sunil Bharti Mittal will retire as Chairman of the Board of Directors with effect from the conclusion of the company's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in July 2026. Gopal Vittal has been appointed as Non-Executive Chairman with effect from the same date, while Shravin Bharti Mittal will take over as Deputy Chairman. Shravin Mittal's assumption of the role of Deputy Chairman will ensure continuity with Airtel Africa's founding family and a significant shareholder.

Airtel Africa provides telecommunications and mobile money services in 14 countries. " Sunil Bharti Mittal has informed the Board that he intends to retire as Chairman of the Board of Directors (Board) in July 2026, with effect from the conclusion of this year's Annual General Meeting," the company said in a statement.

Airtel Africa said Mittal has served as Chairman since 2019, and the Board thanks him for his leadership and contributions during this period. The company said Mittal's appointment was made by nomination of the controlling shareholders of the company. This is in accordance with the terms of the Relationship Agreement dated June 17, 2019, between the company, Bharti Airtel, Airtel Africa Mauritius Limited (the majority shareholder and an indirect subsidiary of Bharti Airtel), and Bharti Telecom.

Vittal was appointed non-executive director of Airtel Africa in October 2024. Shravin Bharti Mittal will assume the role of deputy chairman from the same date, the statement said.

"As Deputy Chairman, Mittal will ensure continuity with the founding family and significant shareholders and will act as the Board's liaison with the Airtel Money Board, of which he is a member, and Airtel Africa's headquarters in Dubai, where he is based," the statement said.

As part of the company's ongoing succession plan for its non-executive directors, Annika Poutiainen will also retire at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in July, having served for over seven years. Sunil Mittal thanked the Airtel Africa board for all their support and said the company has a solid strategy and an excellent leadership team, the strength of which is evident in the recent results.

"Therefore, I believe the time has come for me to step down as Chairman. It has been an honour to lead Airtel Africa in this capacity and I know the company will continue to thrive, providing superior services to millions of c