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Ashish Malhotra has been appointed the new MD of Airtel Networks Kenya Limited. He takes over from Prasanta Das Sarma who has been redeployed as Fiber Co CEO for Airtel Africa. Mr. Prasanta Das Sarma had held the position since January 2017, and was instrumental in leading Airtel Kenya to become the fastest growing telecom company in Kenya, growing its subscriber base from 5 million to 16 million.
Mr. Malhotra has worked in the telecommunications sector for 21 years. He was previously the Group Head of Sales and Marketing at Airtel Africa, leading the function in 14 countries where Airtel is operational.
He was instrumental in doubling revenues, streamlining pricing principles and building strong unique selling propositions across the countries.
He holds an MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS), India and a Bachelor of Commerce from Sri Ram College of Commerce, India.
At the same time, the Board also appointed Mr. Louis Onyango Otieno as Chairman to steer the firm’s next phase of growth. The new chairman brings over 30 years of extensive leadership experience in ICT across private and public sectors, with a proven track record as a board member in companies across industries.
He began his career at EEC Financial Services in New York, rising to the position of Assistant Vice President. He later joined Microsoft Corporation in 1997, leading the business in Africa in different capacities for 21 years.
Mr. Otieno holds an MBA from Long Island University, Brooklyn in New York and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry in New York.
Mr. Otieno serves as Chairman of Absa Asset Management Limited. He is also an independent non-executive director at Absa Bank Kenya Plc and Nation Media Group Plc
“We wish to congratulate Mr. Otieno and Mr. Malhotra on their appointment and wish them success in their new roles. We look forward to working with them to take Airtel Kenya to the next level, as we continue delivering innovative and relevant solutions for individuals and businesses in the country,” the Board said in a statement.
