By Technology Times Staff Reporter
Lagos. November 2, 2012: Segun Ogunsanya, the ex-Managing Director of Coca Cola Nigeria is the new Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, the mobile phone mobile announced today in a move seen as paving the way for fundamental changes underway to foster its competitive in the telecoms market.
Airtel Nigeria owned by Indian mobile phone giant, Bharti Airtel says Ogunsanya replaces the company’s former Indian CEO, Rajan Swaroop to ensure drive growth of the number three mobile phone by subscriber numbers.
Airtel with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa says that Ogunsanya will be responsible for defining and delivering the business strategy and providing overall leadership for Airtel Nigeria following his appointment which becomes effective November 26, 2012.
Ogunsanya, who will be responsible for defining and delivering the business strategy and providing overall leadership for Airtel Nigeria, will report to Manoj Kohli, CEO (International) and Joint MD, Bharti Airtel.
The new CEO takes over from Rajan Swaroop, who has successfully led operations at Airtel Nigeria for the past two years. Rajan will be appointed as Non-Executive Director on the Board of Airtel Nigeria following the completion of the transition process and will continue to work closely with the Airtel Nigeria leadership team, the company says.
Commenting on the development, Oba Otudeko, Chairman, Airtel Nigeria, said of the appointment: “I am pleased at the appointment of Mr. Ogunsanya as the Chief Executive Officer and look forward to working with him towards making Airtel the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians. It is our resolve to continue building a robust pipeline of local talent in Nigeria as part of Bharti Airtel’s Africa Leadership Initiative. I have been impressed by the outstanding leadership qualities of Mr. Swaroop who has laid a solid foundation, during his tenure, for the long term growth of our business. I wish him success as he moves on in the Group.”
On the other hand, Kohli, said, “I am delighted to have Segun on board and am confident that his rich and diverse experience will add immense value to our operations in Nigeria. Segun’s appointment underlines Bharti Airtel’s commitment to promoting African talent and building a world-class leadership team. I wish him the very best in his new role and would also thank Rajan for his immense contribution to Airtel Nigeria.”
Ogunsanya brings with him over 24 years of rich industry experience across multiple geographies, organisations and diverse sectors such as Coca Cola, Banking and Arthur Anderson.
His last assignment was with The Coca-Cola Company, where he started his career in Finance and gradually transitioned into senior leadership roles with the various bottling operations of The Coca-Cola Company across diverse markets and countries in Africa.
In his last stint, as the Managing Director and CEO of Nigerian Bottling Company, he was responsible for over $1bn revenue operations.
A Chartered Accountant, he holds a Bachelors of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from University of Ife, Nigeria.
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