Airtel Kenya has announced a change in its top leadership after the Board of Airtel Networks Kenya Limited appointed Djibril Tobe as the company’s new Managing Director.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 30, the telecommunications firm said Tobe succeeds Ashish Malhotra, who is leaving the role after four years to take up the position of Chief Executive Officer of Indus Towers Africa.
According to Airtel Kenya, Tobe brings more than 20 years of experience across the telecommunications, consulting, and fast-moving consumer goods sectors, having led business transformation and commercial growth initiatives in several African markets.
Airtel Networks Kenya Limited appoints Djibril Tobe as the company’s new Managing Director. Photo: Courtesy.
Before his appointment in Kenya, Tobe served as Managing Director of Airtel Congo B from May 2023.
He previously held the positions of Managing Director at Airtel Chad and Commercial Director at Airtel Burkina Faso.
His career also includes leadership roles as Chief Executive Officer of Expresso Guinea, as well as positions at Ernst & Young and Coca-Cola.
Tobe takes over at a time when Airtel Kenya has experienced sustained growth under Malhotra’s leadership.
During his four-year tenure, the company expanded its network by deploying more than 2,000 sites across the country, significantly improving connectivity and supporting digital and financial inclusion.
Airtel Money also recorded strong growth, increasing its market share from 2 percent to 11 percent.
Over the same period, the company’s revenue doubled while its subscriber base grew from 16 million to more than 24 million customers.
Malhotra’s tenure also oversaw the rollout of several key products and services, including 5G connectivity, eSIM technology, fibre internet solutions, Spam Alert services, and the Home & Office Smart Connect broadband platform.
The board said it is confident Tobe will build on the company’s recent progress while recognising Malhotra’s contribution to Airtel Kenya’s expansion and innovation over the past four years.
The leadership change comes a day after I&M Group PLC announced the appointment of Abdi Mohamed as the incoming Chief Executive Officer of I&M Bank Kenya Limited, subject to approval by the Central Bank of Kenya.
Mohamed joins I&M Bank from Absa Bank Kenya, where he served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
He brings more than three decades of experience in the financial services sector, having held senior leadership roles across East and Southern Africa.
