Bharti Airtel has officially announced a significant shift in its leadership, naming Shashwat Sharma as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Airtel India. The transition, effective January 1, 2026, marks the culmination of a year-long succession plan designed to ensure continuity for the telecom giant.
Professional Background: From FMCG to Telecom
Shashwat Sharma is a seasoned leader with over 21 years of experience across consumer goods and telecommunications. His career path reflects a deep expertise in brand building, marketing, and operational management.
Previous Stint: Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) Before joining the telecom sector, Sharma spent over a decade at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), one of India’s most prestigious training grounds for leaders. During his tenure at HUL:
- He led the Oral Care category.
- He was instrumental in the launch of the ayurvedic brand Lever Ayush.
- He managed marketing portfolios for iconic brands such as Dove and Lakme.
Rise Within Bharti Airtel Joining Airtel in 2018, Sharma quickly climbed the corporate ladder through several key roles:
- Chief Brand Officer (2018): Focused on revitalizing Airtel's brand identity.
- Chief Marketing Officer (2019): Oversaw marketing strategies for mobility, broadband, and digital services.
- CEO, DTH & Director, Consumer Business (2022): Led the "Airtel Thanks" program and drove growth in the DTH segment.
- Chief Operating Officer (2023): Managed company-wide operations, preparing him for the top leadership role.
Educational Excellence
Sharma’s strategic acumen is backed by a solid academic foundation. He is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, where he completed his PGP. He also holds an engineering degree from the Delhi College of Engineering (DCE).
The New Leadership Structure at Airtel
The appointment is part of a broader management reshuffle approved by the board on December 18, 2025:
| Name | New Designation (Effective Jan 1, 2026) | Previous/Current Role |
| Shashwat Sharma | MD & CEO, Airtel India | CEO Designate / COO |
| Gopal Vittal | Executive Vice Chairman | Vice Chairman & MD |
| Soumen Ray | Group Chief Financial Officer | CFO, Airtel India |
| Akhil Garg | CFO, Airtel India | Financial Controller |
Strategic Vision: As CEO, Sharma will report to Gopal Vittal. While Vittal focuses on group-level synergies, digital transformation, and network strategy, Sharma will be responsible for driving Airtel India’s operational excellence and navigating the competitive landscape of 5G and digital services.
