KAMPALA – Airtel Uganda has appointed Soumendra Sahu as its new Managing Director, succeeding Manoj Murali who is retiring after a four-year tenure.
Mr. Sahu brings over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, with a focus on the telecommunications and paint industries. His expertise spans product acquisition, usage and retention, revenue planning, pricing, and brand management.
Prior to joining Airtel Uganda, Mr. Sahu served as CEO of Bharti Airtel’s Gujarat Circle in India, where he successfully led the company’s operations and drove growth.
Soumendra’s appointment is a strategic move to consolidate our position in the Ugandan market, said a company statement. His wealth of experience and expertise will be crucial in navigating the competitive telecommunications landscape.
Mr. Sahu’s career has seen him hold various leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer of Bharti Airtel’s Orissa Circle, Vice President and Head of Sales Operations at Bharti Airtel, General Manager and Head of Marketing at Tata Docomo, and sales roles at Asian Paints.
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Industry analysts praise Mr. Sahu’s ability to manage cross-functional teams, his exceptional data analysis skills, and his track record of driving revenue growth.
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Airtel Uganda needs a leader who can innovate and adapt to changing market dynamics, said one analyst. Soumendra Sahu’s experience and expertise make him an ideal candidate for the role.
As Airtel Uganda’s new Managing Director, Mr. Sahu will focus on driving growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction in Uganda’s competitive telecommunications market.
Mr. Sahu’s appointment takes effect on December 1, 2024, marking a new chapter for Airtel Uganda.
Airtel Uganda has reported significant growth under Manoj Murali’s leadership, with an 8.3% compounded annual growth rate in revenue from 2020 to 2023.
The company’s leadership transition is seen as a strategic move to consolidate its position in the Ugandan market.
Airtel Uganda is a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies.
