Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Airtel Announces Leadership Transition for 2026
Bharti Airtel, a big telecom company, has announced some big changes in its leadership.
Gopal Vittal, who has been the CEO for 13 years, will become the Executive Vice Chairman starting January 1, 2026.
Shashwat Sharma, who has been preparing for this role, will take over as the new CEO.
The company's chairman, Sunil Bharti Mittal, is happy with this change and believes it will help the company grow.
Other important roles are also changing, like the new Chief Financial Officers.
The company wants to keep getting better and provide the best services to its customers around the world.
Gopal Vittal will transition to Executive Vice Chairman on January 1, 2026.
Shashwat Sharma will take over as MD & CEO of Bharti Airtel India on the same date.
Soumen Ray will become the Group Chief Financial Officer, and Akhil Garg will be the new CFO of Bharti Airtel India.
Rohit Puri will be appointed as Company Secretary & Compliance Officer.
The changes are part of a structured succession plan to ensure continuity and growth.
- Who
- Bharti Airtel board
- What
- Announced leadership transition, appointing Shashwat Sharma as MD & CEO and Gopal Vittal as Executive Vice Chairman
- When
- Effective from January 1, 2026
- Where
- Not specified (global telecom company)
- Why
- To ensure change and continuity in leadership
- Company
- Bharti Airtel
- New MD & CEO
- Shashwat Sharma
- Effective Date
- January 1, 2026
- Current Chairman
- Sunil Bharti Mittal
- Current MD & CEO
- Gopal Vittal (to become Executive Vice Chairman)
- New Group CFO
- Soumen Ray
- New CFO (Airtel India)
- Akhil Garg
- New Company Secretary & Compliance Officer
- Rohit Puri
Sources
Bharti Airtel board announces changes in management, Shashwat Sharma appointed as MD & CEO from January 1
Airtel reshuffles top deck: Gopal Vittal becomes Executive Vice Chairman, Shashwat Sharma named MD and CEO
Shashwat Sharma to take charge as Airtel India CEO from January 1
Airtel appoints Shashwat Sharma as MD & CEO in a major rejig
Shashwat Sharma to Lead Bharti Airtel as MD & CEO; Gopal Vittal to Be Executive Vice Chairman
Airtel revamps top leadership; Shashwat Sharma to take over as India CEO from January
