**Bharti Airtel Announces Leadership Changes with New CEO Appointment**
**Meta Description:** Bharti Airtel’s board has appointed Gopal Vittal as Executive Vice Chairman and Shashwat Sharma as CEO, effective January 1, 2026.
**URL Slug:** bharti-airtel-leadership-changes-2025
**Bharti Airtel Announces Leadership Changes with New CEO Appointment**
On December 18, 2025, Bharti Airtel, the Indian multinational telecom giant, made significant changes to its management team. The board of directors approved the appointment of Gopal Vittal as the Executive Vice Chairman and Shashwat Sharma as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2026. This strategic move is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition in leadership while maintaining the company’s growth momentum.
Gopal Vittal, who currently holds the position of Vice Chairman & Managing Director, will serve as the Executive Vice Chairman for the next five years. His extensive experience and leadership skills are expected to guide the company through its next phase of development. Meanwhile, Shashwat Sharma, who was appointed CEO in October 2025, is set to officially take the helm at the start of the new year.
In addition to these key appointments, Bharti Airtel has also named Soumen Ray as the Group Chief Financial Officer and Rohit Krishan Puri as the Company Secretary and Compliance Officer. These changes reflect the company’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team and enhancing operational efficiency.
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Airtel, expressed his confidence in the new leadership, stating, “I am extremely pleased with the succession and transition of leadership at Airtel, and there could not have been a better time, where change and continuity will go hand in hand. I have no doubt both Gopal and Shashwat will continue to build on the momentum, and I wish them much success in their roles.”
As Bharti Airtel prepares for this new chapter, the company aims to leverage its leadership to further innovate and expand its services in the competitive telecom landscape.
**FAQ**
**What are the recent leadership changes at Bharti Airtel?**
Bharti Airtel has appointed Gopal Vittal as Executive Vice Chairman and Shashwat Sharma as CEO, effective January 1, 2026, alongside other key management appointments.