Carl Cruz has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Networks Limited (Nigeria), according to a statement from Airtel Africa. In addition, Mr. Cruz will join the Executive Committee as the Regional Operating Director, reporting to Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, CEO of the Airtel Africa Group, as well as the Board of Airtel Networks Limited (Nigeria). The appointment is effective as of May 5.
Mr. Cruz has more than 31 years of business and corporate expertise across several continents, including Asia and Africa. In his most recent position, Mr. Cruz worked for Unilever in West Africa as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, where he was in charge of three listed operating companies, including those in Nigeria, Ghana, and Francophone Africa.
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. Speaking on Mr Cruz’s appointment, Airtel Africa Group CEO, Segun Ogunsanya said, “Mr Cruz brings to Airtel Africa a wealth of business experience, exceptional track record and strong values.
He 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.