Raghu Mandava named MD & CEO, Airtel Africa from Jan 1, Defaria to head Bharti Airtel (Netherlands)

KOLKATA: Bharti Airtel, India’s largest mobile carrier and the third-largest globally by subscriber base, announced top level leadership changes in its Africa unit.

Raghunath Mandava, who is Chief Operating Officer of Airtel Africa, will take over as managing director & CEO, from January 1, 2017, according to a company statement issued Tuesday. He will also be a permanent invitee to the Bharti Airtel board, representing Airtel Africa.

Christian Defaria, Executive Chairman, Airtel Africa, in turn, has been designated Chairman, Bharti Airtel International (Netherlands) BV ”), from January 1, 2017.

“Christian (Defaria) will ensure smooth handing over of all operational matters to Raghu (Mandava), and will continue to support him and the team on regulatory, government and shareholder matters,” Bharti Airtel statement added.

Mandava had joined Airtel Africa as Chief Operating Officer in July this year, and having well settled in his role, will take full leadership control, the company said in its official statement.