Airtel Africa has appointed Dinesh Balsingh as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, effective November 1, 2024. Balsingh will also join the Airtel Africa Group Executive Council, underscoring his importance in the multinational company’s leadership. He succeeds Carl Cruz, who resigned in October after 17 months to return to his native Philippines.
His appointment comes at a time when the Nigerian economy is grappling with significant challenges that pose both risks and opportunities for the telecommunications sector.
Balsingh is no stranger to Airtel Nigeria. He previously served as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Airtel Nigeria and took up the role of Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Tanzania in 2022. During his tenure in Tanzania, Balsingh led the company to record growth by implementing innovative pricing strategies, improving product offerings and maintaining disciplined execution.
“During his tenure in Tanzania, Balsingh led the company to record growth by leveraging innovative pricing strategies, improved product offerings and maintaining disciplined execution. His leadership led to significant growth in Revenue Market Share (RMS) in a highly competitive environment,” Airtel said in a statement.
Balsingh’s extensive experience in the telecommunications sector spans 24 years, starting with Hutchison Essar in 2000. His career includes senior roles at Airtel India, Tata Docomo and Airtel Nigeria, where he served as Marketing Director in 2013 and was promoted to CCO in 2018.
