Segun Ogunsanya Replaces Raghunath Mandava As Airtel Africa MD /CEO
Airtel Africa has announced Olusegun Ogunsanya, the Managing Director of its Nigerian operation to succeed Raghunath Mandava, as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the parent company.
Airtel on Thursday disclosed in a statement by Simon O’Hara,Group Company Secretary that the appointment follows Raghu
Mandava’s informing the Board of hisintention to retire, adding that Segun Ogunsanya will join the Board of Airtel Africa plc with effect from 1 October 2021.
Segun Ogunsanya joined Airtel Africa in 2012 as Managing Director and CEO Nigeria and has been responsible for the overall management of our operations in Nigeria, our largest market in Africa.
He has more than 25 years’ business management experience in banking, consumer goods and
telecoms. Before joining Airtel in 2012, Segun held leadership roles at Coca-Cola in Ghana, Nigeria,
and Kenya (as MD and CEO). He 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
Inc, covering 28 countries in Africa. He is an electronics engineer and also a chartered accountant.
Raghu Mandava will be retiring 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. Arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities. Following his cessation of employment at Airtel Africa, Mr. Mandava will be available to advise the Chairman, the Airtel Africa Board and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for a 9-month period.
The telecom company also appointed Jaideep Paul, Chief Financial Officer as an Executive Director and will join the
Board of Airtel Africa plc with effect from 1 June 2021.
According to Airtel, the replacement of Olusegun Ogunsanya as Managing Director and CEO Airtel Nigeria would be announced soon.
“An announcement naming Segun Ogunsanya’s successor as Managing Director and CEO Nigeria will be made soon.”
Speaking, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Airtel 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.”
On his part, Raghu Mandava 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 a strong high growth and profitable company. We have been able to
build the business with our unique management and 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.”
In his remark, Segun Ogunsanya 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.”
There are no additional matters requiring disclosure under Rule 9.6.13 of the UK Listing Rules.
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