BUSINESS

Airtel Kenya names new CEO as Adil Youssefi exits


Airtel Kenya has announced the appointment of Prasanta Das Sarma as the new Managing Director.

Prasanta Das Sarma takes over from Adil Youssefi who according to Airtel has decided to pursue external opportunities post the completion of his contract period.

Prasanta is a seasoned professional with over 31 years of experience in the technology sector ‘’I am confident that under Prasanta Das Sarma’s leadership, our plans will gather further momentum and we look forward to delivering an even better experience to millions of customers across the country.” Raghunath Mandava, Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Africa, said.

Prasanta Das Sarma is an Airtel veteran, having joined Airtel 14 years ago in 2002 and has served in various capacities, the immediate previous posting being as MD & CEO of Airtel Bangladesh. Prior to that, he was the Hub CEO of the Eastern Hub of Airtel’s business in India and has also served as a Vice President, Network & Customer Service. His career started in 1985 and he has primarily been involved with technology related organizations. PD is a Telecom Engineer and holds an MBA in Finance.

Adil Youssefi joined Airtel in April 2014 and has been involved in integrating Yu customers into Airtel. He has increased Airtel’s distribution and customer experience, including growing the network of our Airtel’s shops in the country. 

Adil’s departure comes at a time when speculation is rife that of Airtel was planning on exiting its African operations, speculations which Adil dismissed.  Airtel has indeed been struggling to hit its target in recent years. In January, the company also fired 60 employees in what it termed as a strategic restructuring to reposition the business to profitability.

Airtel is the country’s second-largest mobile network provider by coverage, with a market share of 17.5 percent as of last September after Safaricom which controlled 69 percent share.

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