Airtel Networks Limited (Nigeria), a subsidiary of Airtel Africa Plc, on Wednesday named C. Surendran to replace Olusegun Ogunsanya as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1 August 2021.

Ogunsanya was recently elevated to lead Airtel Africa Plc, listed on the London Stock Exchange LSE) and the Nigerian Exchange Ltd, as MD/CEO, from October 1, 2021, with a transition period from 1 August 2021.

In addition, Surendran will be appointed to the Executive Committee (ExCo) as Regional Operating Director, reporting to the CEO of Airtel Africa Plc, and the Board of Airtel Networks (Nigeria) Limited.

Surendran, according to a statement, joined Bharti Airtel in 2003 and has contributed immensely in various roles across customer experience, sales and business operations.

Until recently, he was CEO Karnataka, the largest circle in Airtel India with over $1bn in revenue.

There, he “delivered exceptional performance with significant movement in Revenue Market Share (RMS) over last few years, currently at 54%.”

Surendran, who will transition into his new role from 1 June 2021 and spend the time onboarding into the business until 31 July 2021, has over 30 years of business experience, including 15 years at Xerox.