Raghunath Mandava elevated to MD and CEO of Airtel Africa

Bharti Airtel on Tuesday announced top level changes for its Africa operations.

Raghunath Mandava, who is currently the Chief Operating Officer - Airtel Africa, will take over as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer – Airtel Africa with effect from January 1, 2017, the company said in a statement.

Mandava joined Airtel Africa as COO in July, 2016 and having well settled in his role will take full leadership control. He will be a permanent invitee to the Board of Bharti Airtel, representing Airtel Africa.

Mandava joined Airtel in 2003 and has served as Director – Operations (India); CMO (India); CEO – Rajasthan Circle (India) and COO – Tamil Nadu Circle (India). Prior to joining Airtel, Mandava worked in Unilever in several sales and marketing roles. He is a B Tech in Electronics from IIT, Kharagpur (1988 batch) and an MBA from IIM- Bangalore (1990 batch).

Christian Defaria, Executive Chairman, Airtel Africa has been designated as Chairman, Bharti Airtel International (Netherlands) BV - (“BAIN BV”), with effect from January 1, 2017.

Defaria will ensure smooth handing over of all operational matters to Mandava, and will continue to support Mandava and the team on Regulatory, Government and Shareholder matters.