Bharti Airtel has elevated Rahul Vatts to director – corporate affairs and group chief regulatory officer (GCRO), expanding his current responsibilities. The company noted that the move was aimed at strengthening its corporate affairs and policy function as it grows beyond telecom.
In the new role, Rahul Vatts will lead Airtel’s corporate affairs team. He will manage engagement with government, regulators and industry bodies, and shape the company’s public policy and regulatory approach. He will also act as Airtel’s primary point of contact for all government and regulatory matters.
Airtel noted that the change reflects its focus on building stronger stakeholder engagement. As the brand expands into new areas beyond core telecom services, having a clear regulatory and policy strategy has become more important.
Rahul will continue to serve on the Airtel Management Board. He will also join the Board of Bharti Airtel Foundation to ensure the Foundation’s work remains aligned with the company’s broader goals.
A telecom veteran with nearly 30 years of experience, Vatts joined Airtel in April 2020 as chief regulatory officer. He has since handled the company’s regulatory portfolio.
He holds an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and has also studied at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
With this expanded mandate, Rahul will guide Airtel through policy and regulatory changes as the telecom and digital sectors evolve quickly.



