Bharti Airtel has unveiled a planned leadership transition, with Shashwat Sharma set to assume the role of Managing Director and CEO of Bharti Airtel India from January 1, 2026, while long-serving MD & CEO Gopal Vittal moves into the position of Executive Vice Chairman. The changes are part of a structured succession plan aimed at ensuring continuity alongside future-ready leadership.
Gopal Vittal, who has led Airtel for the past 13 years, was appointed Vice Chairman in October 2024 in addition to his MD role, as part of this transition. As Executive Vice Chairman, he will oversee Bharti Airtel and all its subsidiaries, while driving group-wide synergies across digital and technology initiatives, network strategy, procurement, talent, and long-term group strategy.
Shashwat Sharma, who was named CEO-designate last year, has spent the past 12 months working closely with Vittal across the business to prepare for the role. As MD & CEO, Sharma will report to Vittal and lead Airtel India through its next phase of growth.
The leadership changes also include key finance and governance appointments. Soumen Ray, currently CFO of Bharti Airtel India, will become Group CFO reporting to Vittal, while Akhil Garg will take over as CFO of Bharti Airtel India. Rohit Puri will be elevated to Company Secretary & Compliance Officer, with Pankaj Tewari continuing oversight at the group level.
Commenting on the transition, Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal said the move reflects Airtel’s focus on balancing continuity with change. He expressed confidence that both Vittal and Sharma will build on the company’s momentum as Airtel pursues its ambition of becoming a leading global telecom company.