Bharti Airtel has announced a significant leadership change as part of its restructuring strategy. Shashwat Sharma, who is currently the chief operating officer (COO), will be appointed as managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) effective January 1, 2026. Meanwhile, Gopal Vittal, the current MD & CEO, will transition to the role of executive vice chairman.
As CEO designate, Shashwat Sharma has already begun overseeing the entire consumer business, which encompasses mobility, home services, and Direct-to-Home (DTH) operations. Vittal will continue to manage other business areas including enterprise services and human resources until Sharma officially takes over in 2026, at which point he will be responsible for both consumer and enterprise sectors.
In conjunction with these leadership changes, Airtel is restructuring its business operations by separating its DTH services from the converged entertainment category. This will lead to the formation of two new divisions, Connected Homes, which will include broadband and converged entertainment services, and DTH.
Siddharth Sharma, the current CEO of DTH, will become the director of marketing and CEO of Connected Homes. Pushpinder Gujral, who is currently the CEO for Upper North, will take on the role of CEO and director for DTH.
Additionally, Airtel’s customer experience division will be established as an independent function, with Shivan Bhargava appointed as its director. Amit Tripathi, who has served as director of marketing and customer experience, will now be the director of market operations, overseeing all circles and distribution strategies.
All these executives are set to assume their new roles by April 1, 2025, reporting directly to Shashwat Sharma.
