Bharti Airtel on Thursday confirmed that Shashwat Sharma, currently serving as Chief Executive Officer Designate, will formally assume charge as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the telecom major with effect from January 1, 2026.
The announcement forms the centrepiece of a broader leadership transition approved by the board of India’s second-largest telecommunications company, as it advances a carefully structured succession plan initiated in 2024.
As part of the same resolution, the board approved the elevation of Gopal Vittal, presently Vice Chairman and Managing Director, to the role of Executive Vice Chairman for a period of five years starting January 1, 2026. The appointment, which is subject to shareholder approval, will see Vittal oversee Bharti Airtel and its subsidiaries at a group level.
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The board also sanctioned changes at the top of the company’s finance function. Soumen Ray, the current Chief Financial Officer, will take on the role of Group Chief Financial Officer, while Akhil Garg will be appointed Chief Financial Officer for Airtel India. Both appointments will come into effect from January 1, 2026.
Disclosing the decision in a regulatory filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange, the company said, "We wish to inform that based on recommendations of HR & Nomination Committee, the Board of Directors of the company has approved...at its meeting held on December 18, 2025: (a) Appointment of Gopal Vittal (currently, Vice Chairman & Managing Director) as Executive Vice Chairman (in the capacity of Whole-time Director) of the Company w.e.f. January 01, 2026, for a period of five (5) years...,".
Bharti Airtel clarified that all senior leadership appointments remain subject to the approval of shareholders.
With Shaswat set to take the helm as Managing Director and CEO, the company aims to ensure continuity of leadership while reinforcing its long-term strategic vision during a period of rapid transformation in the telecommunications sector.
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