Segun Ogunsanya now MD/CEO, Airtel Africa

Charles Abuede

Airtel Africa plc, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, has announced in a disclosure filed to the Nigerian Exchange the appointment of Olusegun Ogunsanya, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria as the new Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Africa Plc following the intentions of Raghu Mandava to retire.

Segun, who joined Airtel Africa in 2012 as the MD and CEO of the company’s operations in Nigeria brings his over 25 years wealth of experience in the banking, consumer goods and telecoms. And prior to his career journey at Airtel, Segun has held leadership roles as managing director and chief executive officer at Coca-Cola in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya. Segun, who is also an electronics engineer and also, a chartered accountant has also been the Managing Director of Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd (Coca-Cola Hellenic owned) and Group head of retail banking operations at Ecobank Transnational Incorporated and covering 28 countries in Africa.

Speaking on the appointment, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman, 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. It is this commitment, together with his industry experience, strategic vision, constant customer focus and proven record of delivery that will enable him to continue to deliver our strategic objectives and to lead the Group in the next stages of its development.

“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. Throughout that time, Raghu has worked tirelessly first to repair and then to strengthen Airtel Africa’s business and to champion our stakeholders. As we look forward to Segun assuming his new role in October 2021, we do so from a position of great strength as a result of Raghu’s highly effective stewardship. Raghu will retire from the Board with our very best wishes and sincere appreciation for everything he has achieved.”

Also, Raghu Mandava, the outgoing MD and CEO of Airtel Africa effective September 30, 2021, said, “I am thankful to Airtel Africa for providing me and my team the opportunity to transform the business and fulfil our responsibility to the countries in which we operate. It has been a privilege to serve in the African continent and I cherish my time here. Airtel Africa is a remarkable business with fantastic people. 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.

The last five years have been an exhilarating journey where we have been able to turnaround and transform the business into strong high growth and profitable company. We have been able to build the business with our unique management and a problem-solving approach to bring in substantial performance improvement. 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.”

Furthermore, Segun Ogunsanya, the incoming MD and CEO of Airtel Africa, said: “Having been part of the Airtel Africa journey for the past nine years, I am looking forward to taking up the role of Chief Executive Officer. 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.”

Elsewhere, the telecoms giant has announced the appointment of Jaideep Paul, Chief Financial Officer as an Executive Director and will join the Board of Airtel Africa plc with effect from 1 June 2021. Meanwhile, Segun Ogunsanya will join the Board of Airtel Africa plc with effect from 1 October 2021 following the retirement of Raghu Mandava as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, as a Director of Airtel Africa plc and as a member of the Market Disclosure Committee on 30 September 2021. Though, an announcement naming Segun Ogunsanya’s successor as Managing Director and CEO Nigeria will be made soon by Airtel.