Telecommunications services provider with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, Bharti Airtel, has appointed its new organizational structure under a four Strategic Business Units (SBUs) at Airtel Africa aimed at pursuing its growth agenda, DigitalSENSE Business News reports.
DigitalSENSE Business News, also gathered that the proclamation follows a new structure of Airtel’s operations in which all operating countries, would now be clustered into four Strategic Business Units (SBUs) whose leaders would report to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) Africa, with effect from April 1, 2014.
Director, Corporate Communications & PR, Airtel Africa, Mr. Mike Okwiri, disclosed to Airtel Africa CEO, Mr. Christian de Faria that Mr. VG Somasekhar, was appointed the Executive Operations Director of the SBU clustering Zambia, Congo Brazzaville, Malawi, Burkina, Niger, Chad, Madagascar and Seychelles.
DigitalSENSE Business News learnt that Mr. Somasekhar has been Managing Director for Airtel Uganda since December 2010, and has delivered consistent business growth to make Uganda one of Airtel’s most profitable businesses in Africa.
In addition, Mr. Christophe Soulet has been appointed as Executive Operations Director of the second SBU consisting of Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Gabon, Uganda, Sierra Leone and Rwanda.
Amongst other leadership roles, Mr Soulet has worked with Millicom as Chief Operating & Executive Officer - Tigo DRC, as Chief Executive Officer - Ghana & DRC, Chief Regional Officer – Ghana, DRC & Chad and as Chief Regional Officer – Africa.
Whilst at Millicom, Christophe led and executed a solid Africa strategy that resulted in high double-digit year on year revenue. He also coached and built winning leadership teams across Africa.
Both Soma and Christophe will be based in Nairobi for their new assignments.
Airtel Africa CEO, Mr. Christian de Faria, was quoted as saying that these two business leaders have distinguished themselves with their exceptional understanding of the African telecoms landscape.
“We will leverage their experience, leadership and understanding of the African market to accelerate our market leadership opportunities and develop team capabilities as we seek to take our brand to the next level,” he said.
Also, Mr. de Faria noted that both Mr. Segun Ogunsanya currently MD & CEO Nigeria and Mr. Louis Lubala currently MD for DRC, will continue to lead Nigeria and DRC respectively as the two business units.
Following Mr. Somasekhar appointment, Mr. Arindam Chakrabarty who is currently Chief Commercial Officer for Airtel Uganda will be acting as the Managing Director until a new Managing Director is appointed.
Present in 17 African countries, Airtel is the largest telecoms service provider across the continent in terms of geographical reach and had over 68.3 million customers at the end of quarter ended December 31, 2013. Globally, Airtel is ranked as the 4th largest mobile services provider in terms of customer base.
Chuks Egbuna/GEE
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