Airtel Kenya has appointed telecommunications executive Djibril Tobe as its new Managing Director, marking a leadership transition as the company seeks to build on recent gains in the country’s competitive mobile market.
The appointment, announced on Tuesday by the company’s Board of Directors, follows the departure of Ashish Malhotra, who has led Airtel Kenya for the past four years. Malhotra will now take up the position of Chief Executive Officer at Indus Tower Africa.
Tobe steps into the role with more than two decades of experience spanning telecommunications, consumer goods and business consulting across several African markets.
His career within the Airtel Group includes serving as Managing Director for Airtel Congo B and Airtel Chad, as well as Commercial Director at Airtel Burkina Faso. Beyond Airtel, he has held senior leadership positions, including Chief Executive Officer of Expresso Guinea and management roles at Coca-Cola.
The board said Tobe’s experience in driving commercial growth and leading businesses across the continent made him well suited to guide Airtel Kenya through its next phase.
“We welcome Djibril Tobe to his role, and we are confident that his expertise will steer Airtel Kenya to the next level as we continue delivering innovative and relevant solutions,” the Board said in a statement.
The directors also paid tribute to Malhotra, crediting him with strengthening Airtel Kenya’s position in the market during his tenure.
According to the company, Malhotra oversaw the expansion of Airtel Money and helped increase the operator’s market share from 2 per cent to 11 per cent over the past four years.
“We would like to commend Ashish for his immense contribution to Airtel Kenya’s growth journey, and we wish him success in his new role,” the Board added.
Tobe takes charge at a time when Kenya’s telecommunications sector remains fiercely contested, with operators competing to expand mobile money services, improve network coverage and attract new customers in an increasingly digital economy.
His appointment signals Airtel Kenya’s intention to maintain its growth momentum while strengthening its presence in one of Africa’s most competitive telecoms markets.
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