Peter Correia, Liquid Telecommunications Group director of operations and managing director for South African operation, has been appointed as managing director for Airtel Zambia.

Correia will be taking over from Charity Lumpa who the company said has requested to leave on early retirement in order to pursue other personal interests.

In a statement, Airtel Africa chief executive officer Christian de Faria said Correia, who is a graduate of electronic engineering, will be joining Airtel with a broad telecommunications experience from several operators where he worked in various capacities.

He said Correira has previous worked for Siemens Ltd South Africa, Vodacom, MASCOM Botswana, Econet Wireless International and the Department of Posts & Telecommunications-South Africa, among other companies.

Charity Lumpa joined Airtel Zambia in May 2013.

"During her tenure as managing director, Lumpa has invested time and effort in building strong corporate reputation and improving our network quality. The operation has won several awards during her tenure".

"Please join me in welcoming Correia to Airtel Africa and wishing Ms Lumpa all the very best in her future endeavours as she hands over office," de Faria said.

Correia will officially take over as Airtel Zambia managing director on March 1, 2015.