Airtel Africa Plc has appointed Olusegun “Segun” Ogunsanya, current MD and CEO of Airtel Nigeria, as its new CEO following Raghunath Mandava’s retirement.

Ogunsanya will join the board of Airtel Africa on 1 October, 2021.

Ogunsanya joined Airtel Africa in 2012 as MD and CEO Nigeria, and has been responsible for the overall management of the company’s operations in the region, the group’s largest market in Africa.

The company said Ogunsanya has more than 25 years business management experience in banking, consumer goods and telecoms.

Before joining Airtel Africa in 2012, the company said Ogunsanya held leadership roles at Coca-Cola in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya as managing director and CEO. It said he was also managing director of Nigeria Bottling Company (Coca-Cola Hellenic owned) and group head of retail banking operations at Ecobank, covering 28 countries in Africa.

Following Mandava’s retirement effective 30 September 30, 2021, the company said arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Airtel said, “We are delighted to appoint Segun Ogunsanya as the Group’s new CEO. He has displayed significant drive and energy in turning around the Nigerian business by focusing on network modernisation, distribution and operational efficiency. It is this commitment, together with 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 development.”

Ogunsanya said, “Having been part of the Airtel Africa journey for the past 9 years, I’m looking forward to taking up the role of CEO. On a personal note, as an Africa, 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.”

Airtel Africa has a presence in 14 African countries including DRC, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia.