Airtel Kenya names Djibril Tobe as managing director

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Airtel Kenya has appointed Senegalese telecoms executive Djibril Tobe as managing director, a major leadership change as the country’s second-largest mobile operator seeks to build on recent market share gains.

Tobe succeeds Ashish Malhotra, who is leaving after four years to become chief executive of Indus Towers Africa. The move comes at a pivotal moment for Airtel Kenya, which has emerged as the country’s strongest challenger to Safaricom after years of investment in network expansion, mobile money and home broadband.

Before his appointment, Tobe served as managing director of Airtel Congo B, a role he has held since May 2023. He previously served as managing director of Airtel Chad and as commercial director at Airtel Burkina Faso. Before joining Airtel, he held leadership positions at Expresso Guinea, Ernst & Young and Coca-Cola.

“We welcome Djibril Tobe to his role and are confident that his expertise will steer Airtel Kenya to the next level as we continue delivering innovative and relevant solutions,” the company’s board said in a statement.