London and Lagos, 2 January 2024: Airtel Africa plc has today announced the retirement of the Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun “Segun” Ogunsanya, with effect from 1July, 2024. Mr. Ogunsanya,whojoinedAirtelin2012,rantheNigeriaOperationsoftheTelecommunications
andmobilemoneycompanyfornineyearsbeforehisappointmentasChiefExecutiveOfficer of the Group in 2021. With local knowledge of the African landscape and deep distribution experience he led the company in maintaining double-digit revenue growth over many quarters and to deliver new, innovative products to its customers across the continent.Building on the work undertaken during his time as CEO, including the launch of the Company’s first Sustainability Strategy, and given his deep experience across Africa, Mr. Ogunsanya will become the Airtel Africa Charitable Foundation’s inaugural Chair. The Charitable Foundation will accelerate the Company’s commitment to its sustainability initiativesandcharitableoperationsacrossitslocationsinAfrica.TheCharitableFoundation’s objectives will focus on promoting digital inclusion, financial inclusion, access to education, and environmentalprotection. The Charitable Foundationwill be a separate legal entity and be independent of the Airtel Africa Group.
FollowinghisretirementfromAirtelAfricaplc,Mr.Ogunsanyawillalsobeavailabletoadvise the Chairman, the Airtel Africa Board and Chief Executive Officer for a 12-month period.
TheCompanyalsoannouncedtheappointmentofSunilTaldarasManagingDirectorandChief Executive Officer to succeed Mr. Ogunsanya on his retirement. Mr. Taldar, who joined Airtel AfricainOctober2023asDirector–Transformation,willbeginthetransitiontotheCEOrole, workingalongsideMr.Ogunsanya.Followingatransitionperiod,Mr.Taldarwillbeappointed to the Board as an Executive Director and assume the role of CEO on 1 July 2024, at which time Mr. Ogunsanya will step down from the Board and retire from the Company.
SunilBhartiMittal, Chairman of Airtel Africaplc said: “Onbehalf oftheBoard, Iwouldliketo thank Segun Ogansanya for his commitment and significant contribution to Airtel Africa plc as Chief Executive and before that as Managing Director and CEO of Nigeria, our largest market in Africa.
“IampleasedSegunhasagreed,followinghisretirement,to assumethenewroleasChairof the Airtel Africa Charitable Foundation, where he will bring his visionary leadership to this newphilanthropicinitiative toadvancedevelopmentandprosperityacrossAfrica.Segunwill retire from the Board with our very best wishes and sincere appreciation for everything he has achieved.
“The Board is delighted to appoint Sunil Taldar as the Group's next Chief Executive Officer. His industry experience, strategic vision, constant customer focus and proven record of delivery will enable him to deliver our strategic objectives and to lead the Group in the next stages of its development.
“In respect of the transition period, Segun continues to lead the business very effectively as seen in our financial results. Given that Sunil Taldar has already joined the Group, we are confidentthatwewillhaveanorderlyleadershiptransitionandhandoverofresponsibilities.”
SegunOgunsanya,ChiefExecutive said:“Ithasbeen aprivilegetospendover 12 yearsofmy careeratAirtelAfrica andIamproudofwhatwehavedeliveredforcustomersacrossAfrica. Wecontinuetotransformlives.Nowistherighttimeformetohandovertoanewleaderwho can build on Airtel Africa’s strengths and deliver on the significant opportunities ahead as I pursue my renewed interest in the empowerment of Africans through digital and financial inclusion in a different capacity beyond the boundaries of for-profit organizations. This has been my ambition after a successful career spanning over 35 years in Banking, FMCG and Telecommunications”.
0 Comments