Bharti Airtel has announced that Gopal Vittal, currently serving as Managing Director, will take on an expanded role as Vice Chairman of the Bharti Airtel Foundation. In this enhanced position, Vittal will focus on boosting strategic synergies across Airtel’s core areas—network operations, digital initiatives, procurement, and talent development. He will also continue as Bharti’s representative on Airtel Africa Plc’s board, offering guidance to strengthen Airtel’s global strategy beyond India.
In a planned leadership transition effective January 1, 2026, Vittal will move to the role of Executive Vice Chairman. Shashwat Sharma, currently Chief Operating Officer, has been named CEO Designate and will assume the responsibilities of Managing Director and CEO in due course. Additionally, Rakesh Bharti Mittal will focus on broader Bharti board responsibilities, while Rajan Bharti Mittal re-engages with Airtel as a Bharti Board nominee. This strategic reshuffling underscores Bharti Airtel’s commitment to stable governance and a future-ready leadership structure.
