Amid a leadership overhaul, Bharti Airtel names Shashwat Sharma India CEO from 2026, while Gopal Vittal shifts to Executive Vice Chairman, and finance roles get reshaped.
Bharti Airtel has announced a major restructuring of its top management, naming Shashwat Sharma as the next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel India. His appointment will take effect from 1 January 2026, for a five-year term, subject to shareholder approval.
Sharma currently serves as CEO-designate and will be classified as key managerial personnel upon assuming the role.
The company’s board approved the leadership changes at its meeting on 18 December. The decisions followed recommendations from the HR and Nomination Committee. Airtel confirmed the developments in a stock exchange filing, highlighting the reshuffle as part of its long-term leadership and growth strategy.
Alongside Sharma’s promotion, the board has cleared the appointment of Gopal Vittal as Executive Vice Chairman. Vittal, who now serves as Vice Chairman and Managing Director, will assume the new role of whole-time director from 1 January 2026. His term will also be for five years, subject to shareholder consent.
The company has also made changes to its finance and compliance leadership. Soumen Ray, currently the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will step up as Group Chief Financial Officer. Akhil Garg will take over as CFO for Airtel India. The board has also appointed Rohit Krishan Puri as Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, effective from the same date.
Meanwhile, Pankaj Tewari will continue as Group Company Secretary, retaining oversight and governance responsibilities at the corporate level.
Airtel stated that the new structure aims to strengthen leadership continuity, sharpen operational focus and support its long-term business priorities in India and global markets.
