Bharti Enterprises vice chairman Akhil Gupta, who has been a central figure in shaping the group’s strategy for over three decades, will retire on March 31, 2026. His departure brings to a close a long and influential stint at the Bharti Group, during which he played a pivotal role in its expansion and evolution. Bharti Enterprises confirmed Gupta’s forthcoming retirement through a recent internal communication.
Widely regarded as one of the principal architects of Bharti Airtel’s strategy since the 1990s, Gupta was closely involved in the company’s rapid growth in India, its initial public offering in 2002, and the $10.7 billion acquisition of Zain Africa, which established a major pan-African telecom presence.
Having joined Bharti during its early years, Gupta guided the group through shifting regulatory environments, multiple spectrum auctions and major policy disruptions, including the cancellation of 2G licences and periods of sector-wide financial stress. He was also a strong proponent of structural initiatives such as the separation of tower assets into Bharti Infratel and the formation of Indus Towers. A chartered accountant and Harvard Business School alumnus, Gupta has gradually reduced his executive responsibilities in recent years, including stepping down as a non-executive director of Airtel Africa in July 2025, and has recently taken up a role as a strategic adviser on the board of quick-commerce firm Zepto.
