Vodafone Idea Limited has appointed Abhijit Kishore as its new Chief Executive Officer for a three-year term beginning August 19, 2025. He succeeds Akshaya Moondra at a time when the telecom major continues to navigate heavy debt obligations and regulatory challenges in India’s highly competitive telecom sector.
Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi), headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is one of India’s largest telecom service providers, offering mobile connectivity, data services, and enterprise solutions to millions of subscribers across the country. The company, formed through the merger of Vodafone India and Idea Cellular in 2018, plays a key role in India’s digital ecosystem while competing with sector leaders Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.
In a board meeting held on August 14, 2025, Vodafone Idea confirmed the appointment of Abhijit Kishore as its next Chief Executive Officer. His three-year tenure will begin on August 19, 2025, immediately after the conclusion of Akshaya Moondra’s term on August 18, 2025. The company clarified that the recommendation for Kishore’s elevation came from its Nomination and Remuneration Committee and was subsequently approved by the board.
This transition marks the end of Moondra’s three-year leadership term, which began in August 2022 when he succeeded Ravinder Takkar. During his tenure, Moondra steered Vodafone Idea through a critical phase of financial restructuring and operational challenges, particularly focusing on managing the company’s Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) liabilities and network investments.
Who is Abhijit Kishore?
Abhijit Kishore currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Vodafone Idea and has been associated with the company since March 2015. With over 27 years of experience in the Indian telecom industry, he has held several strategic positions within the organisation. Previously, he served as the Chief Enterprise Business Officer, leading the enterprise vertical, and also worked as Circle Business Head for Gujarat and Kerala, where he played a key role in launching India’s first 4G services.
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An alumnus of Delhi University and FORE School of Management, Delhi, Kishore has also completed senior leadership programs at IIM Ahmedabad and London Business School, strengthening his expertise in corporate leadership and business strategy. His diverse background across corporate functions and geographical markets positions him to lead Vodafone Idea’s turnaround efforts.
The leadership change comes at a critical juncture for Vodafone Idea, which is working to reduce debt, raise fresh capital, and improve its financial position to compete more effectively in India’s telecom industry. The company continues to be a key participant in the government’s Digital India mission, focusing on expanding 4G services and preparing for a 5G rollout.
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