Airtel Networks Kenya Limited has appointed Djibril Tobe as its new Managing Director, succeeding Ashish Malhotra, who has been named Chief Executive Officer of Indus Towers Africa.
Tobe, a business executive with more than two decades of experience across telecommunications, fast-moving consumer goods, and consulting sectors, takes over at a time when Airtel Kenya is accelerating its digital expansion and customer growth strategy.
Before his appointment, Tobe served as Managing Director of Airtel Congo B since May 2023. He has also held senior leadership roles within the Airtel Group, including Managing Director of Airtel Chad and Commercial Director at Airtel Burkina Faso.
His career also includes serving as Chief Executive Officer of Expresso Guinea, as well as leadership roles at Ernst & Young and The Coca-Cola Company, where he gained experience in business transformation, commercial growth, and market expansion.
Tobe succeeds Malhotra, who led Airtel Kenya for four years and oversaw a period of significant growth for the telecommunications firm.
During Malhotra’s tenure, Airtel Kenya expanded its network footprint through the rollout of more than 2,000 sites, marking the company’s largest network expansion programme. The company also recorded growth in digital and financial inclusion initiatives.
Under his leadership, Airtel Money’s market share increased from 2% to 11%, while the company doubled its revenues and grew its subscriber base from 16 million to more than 24 million customers.
Malhotra also spearheaded the introduction of several customer-focused innovations, including the rollout of 5G services, eSIM technology, fibre connectivity solutions, Spam Alert services, and the Home & Office Smart Connect broadband platform.
In a statement, the Airtel Kenya Board welcomed Tobe’s appointment, expressing confidence that his leadership experience would support the company’s next phase of growth, innovation, and customer-focused transformation.
“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.
The Board also commended Malhotra for his contribution to Airtel Kenya’s growth journey and wished him success in his new role at Indus Towers Africa.
