In a significant corporate announcement, Airtel Uganda Limited has appointed Mr. Soomondra Sahu as its new Managing Director, effective from December 1, 2024. This transition follows the resignation of Mr. Manoj Murali, who will step down on October 31, 2024. This change at the helm is set to bring fresh dynamics to the telecommunications giant in Uganda.
Mr. Soomondra Sahu steps into this role with an impressive resume, having spent over two decades in the telecommunications sector. His career journey is marked by significant stints at major telecommunications companies in India, including Bharti Airtel, where he has been a part of since January 2015. Notably, he served as the CEO of Bharti Airtel Gujarati Circle, showcasing his leadership in managing large-scale operations and strategic business units.
Prior to his role in Gujarat, Sahu held several pivotal positions within Bharti Airtel, including Chief Operations Officer for Odisha and various Vice President roles overseeing sales in regions like Goa, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Jharkhand. His tenure has been characterized by a consistent drive towards operational excellence and market expansion.
Before joining Bharti Airtel, Sahu’s career included notable positions at Tata Docomo, Reliance Communications, and even a brief period at Asian Paints, indicating his versatile expertise in both telecom and corporate sectors. This diverse background equips him with a unique blend of skills that are anticipated to benefit Airtel Uganda’s strategic initiatives.
The Board of Directors at Airtel Uganda expressed their confidence in Sahu’s capability to steer the company towards achieving greater heights. His appointment is not only as the Managing Director but also as an Executive Director, pending confirmation at the next Annual General Meeting. This dual role underscores the board’s trust in his ability to lead the company’s strategic direction while ensuring robust corporate governance.
Airtel Uganda, a subsidiary of the Bharti Airtel Group, one of India’s largest telecommunications companies, has been a significant player in the Ugandan market, providing services ranging from mobile telephony to broadband internet services. Under Sahu’s leadership, the company aims to enhance its service offerings, expand its digital footprint, and improve customer engagement in a highly competitive market.
The telecom industry in Uganda, like many African countries, is witnessing rapid growth, driven by increasing digital literacy and the demand for high-speed internet and digital services. Sahu’s expertise in scaling operations and his strategic acumen will be crucial in navigating this dynamic landscape. His focus on customer experience, as demonstrated in his previous roles, is expected to resonate well with Airtel Uganda’s customer base, promising better service delivery and innovation in product offerings.
As Sahu takes the reins, industry analysts and stakeholders are watching closely to see how his strategic vision will influence Airtel Uganda’s market position. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to not only sustain but also expand Airtel’s market share amidst fierce competition from both local and international players. The transition period leading up to December 1, 2024, will be crucial as Sahu prepares to take over, familiarizing himself with the unique challenges and opportunities of the Ugandan market. His integration into the Airtel Uganda team is anticipated to bring about a new era of growth and operational excellence for the company.
With Mr. Soomondra Sahu at the helm, Airtel Uganda looks forward to leveraging his extensive experience to deliver enhanced shareholder value and superior customer experiences, setting the stage for a promising future in the telecommunications sector in Uganda.
