Leadership Realignment: Airtel Appoints Shashwat Sharma MD & CEO, Akhil Garg CFO, Soumen Ray Group CFO

Bharti Airtel Limited has announced a sweeping leadership transition effective January 1, 2026. Shashwat Sharma will take charge as Managing Director & CEO of Airtel India, Akhil Garg has been named Chief Financial Officer of Airtel India, and Soumen Ray has been appointed Group CFO. Gopal Vittal, after 13 years as CEO, will move into the role of Executive Vice Chairman.  

Shashwat Sharma, who has led Airtel’s consumer business and worked closely with Gopal Vittal, will now oversee Airtel India for a five-year term. Akhil Garg, previously CFO of Bharti Hexacom, will manage Airtel India’s financial operations. Soumen Ray, with extensive corporate finance experience, will serve as Group CFO, ensuring continuity at the group level. Vittal’s transition to Executive Vice Chairman highlights Airtel’s focus on synergy across digital, technology, and network strategy.  

Notable updates  
• Shashwat Sharma appointed MD & CEO of Airtel India for five years  
• Akhil Garg named CFO of Airtel India effective January 1, 2026  
• Soumen Ray confirmed as Group CFO (corrected spelling in filings)  
• Gopal Vittal transitions to Executive Vice Chairman after 13 years as CEO  
• Appointments approved by Airtel’s board and committees  

Major takeaway  
The leadership reshuffle underscores Airtel’s structured succession planning, ensuring continuity while positioning the company for future growth in India’s competitive telecom market.  

Sources: CNBC-TV18, Moneycontrol, Business Today, Livemint, New Indian Express