Out of Africa: Kohli back to head Airtel India ops

Manoj Kohli, managing director and CEO (international) of Bharti Airtel, will relocate to India from the company’s Africa headquarters in Nairobi. HT reports.

Manoj Kohli, managing director and CEO (international) of Bharti Airtel, will relocate to India from the company’s Africa headquarters in Nairobi. The company has appointed Christian de Faria, who will report to Kohli, as CEO of its Africa operations.

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Rumours were abound that Kohli may head both India and Africa operations, though the company did not confirm it.

“While continuing to lead Airtel’s international operations and providing governance oversight to Airtel Africa, Airtel Bangladesh and Airtel Sri Lanka, Manoj will also lead strategic issues,” said a statement issued by Airtel.

It added that de Faria will “immediately take charge of Anglophone operations and commence a comprehensive orientation encompassing Airtel Africa HQ functions, Francophone and Nigeria Regions,” and will assume overall responsibility as CEO of Airtel Africa from January 1, 2014.

De Faria, for the last seven years, was associated with MTN where he held senior leadership positions including group commercial officer for two years until Jan 2013.