Bharti Airtel Announces Shashwat Sharma as New CEO

In a significant restructuring move, Bharti Airtel has appointed Shashwat Sharma as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2026. This decision is part of a structured succession plan, allowing the incumbent MD and CEO, Gopal Vittal, to transition into the role of Executive Vice Chairman. This change comes after Vittal’s 12-year tenure, during which Airtel expanded its revenue market share from 30% to 40% and increased its market capitalization fivefold.

Leadership Transition

Sharma, currently the Chief Operating Officer, will assume his new role after serving as CEO designate for 14 months. In this interim period, he will oversee the entire end-to-end consumer business, including mobility, home, and DTH services. Vittal will focus on mentoring Sharma while continuing to manage enterprise and human resources.

Strategic Growth and Future Plans

Under the restructuring plan, Airtel aims to enhance its operational efficiency and competitiveness. Key changes include separating DTH services from the converged entertainment category and establishing a stand-alone Customer Experience function. Other senior leadership appointments include Siddharth Sharma as Director of Marketing and CEO of Connected Homes, and Pushpinder Gujral as CEO and Director of DTH.

Financial Performance

Bharti Airtel reported a 168% increase in consolidated net profit for the July-September quarter, reaching ₹3,593 crore, bolstered by its first tariff hike in over two years. Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal praised the company’s commitment to structured succession planning and highlighted the importance of empowering management to drive superior results.