Airtel Africa has appointed Carl Cruz as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, May 4, by the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Segun Ogunsanya.

Ogunsanya noted the appointment would take effect from May 5, 2023, adding that Cruz would join the Executive Committee as the Regional Operating Director reporting to the Airtel Africa Group Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Airtel Networks Limited (Nigeria).

He added that Cruz will take over from Chemmenkotil Surendran.

He stated that Cruz has over 31 years of business and corporate experience from multiple geographies across Africa and Asia.

The company’s GCEO said Cruz, in his most recent position, served as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Unilever in West Africa, with responsibility and oversight of three listed operating companies, including Nigeria and Ghana.

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“He was a board member in the role of Executive Director in Unilever Nigeria Plc and a Non–Executive Director in the board of Unilever Ghana representing Unilever as a shareholder.

“Prior to this, he was the Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Sri Lanka, in addition to occupying leadership roles in Unilever Philippines and Hindustan Unilever India.

“Throughout his career, Cruz has managed strategic and directional responsibility in sales, distribution, customer and brand development, trade development, and commercial engagement,” Ogunsanya added.

He said Cruz with a bachelor’s degree in marketing management from the University of De La Salle, Philippines, would bring a wealth of business experience, exceptional track record, and strong values to Airtel.

Ogunsanya noted that Cruz has a solid record of accomplishment as a strategic and transformational business leader who thrives on problem-solving and building strong teams to deliver business growth.

“We look forward to working with him to steer our largest region and to deliver on our corporate purpose of transforming lives,” the Airtel GCEO said.

The Star