Airtel Africa plc, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with presence in 14 countries across Africa, has chosen the Managing Director and CEO of its Nigerian arm, Olusegun Ogunsanya, to succeed Raghunath Mandava, as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer following Mandava’s decision to retire.
In a statement, Airtel Africa said Ogunsanya will officially join the Board of Airtel Africa plc with effect from October 1, 2021.
Ogunsanya joined Airtel Africa in 2012 as Managing Director and CEO Nigeria and has been responsible for the overall management of telecom firm’s operations in Nigeria, its largest market in Africa. He has more than 25 years’ business management experience in banking, consumer goods and telecoms. Before joining Airtel in 2012, Segun held leadership roles at Coca-Cola in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya (as MD and CEO).
He has also been the Managing Director of Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd and Group head of retail banking operations at Ecobank Transnational Inc, covering 28 countries in Africa. He is an electronics engineer and also a chartered accountant.
MD/CEO Airtel Nigeria, Olusegun Ogunsanya
According to the statement, Raghu Mandava will be retiring as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa plc and as a member of the Market Disclosure Committee on 30 September 2021. “Arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities. Following his cessation of employment at Airtel Africa, Mr. Mandava will be available to advise the Chairman, the Airtel Africa Board and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for a 9-month period.” The statement read.
Responding to his new appointment, Segun said it is an exciting opportunity to position Airtel Africa for further success in a dynamic continent full of potential. “Having been part of the Airtel Africa journey for the past nine years, I am looking forward to taking up the role of Chief Executive Officer. On a personal note, as an African, I feel honoured to have the opportunity to lead a Group that continues to make a difference to millions of people, bridge the digital divide and expand financial inclusion. This I look forward to building on the achievements of the last five years during Raghu’s leadership.”
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Segun on his selection, noting that “the appointment has once again proven that Nigeria has a surfeit of quality professionals, who can hold their own in any part of the continent, and even beyond.”
In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Segun Adesina, President Buhari urged younger Nigerians to draw inspiration from Ogunsanya, saying with focus, dint of hard work, and resourcefulness, they would reach the peak of whatever careers they have chosen for themselves.
Comment here