Charity Chanda Lumpa to head Airtel Zambia operations

Bharti Airtel on Thursday appointed Charity Chanda Lumpa as managing director (MD) of its operation in Zambia with effect from May 1st 2013.

George Sokota, chairman of Airtel's operation in Zambia said, "I am delighted at Charity's appointment, which is in line with Airtel's stated philosophy of promoting local talent in Africa. She has an exceptional track record of accomplishments at top management level in private, public and international organizations and I am confident that with her rich experience she will grow the organization from strength to strength."

Jayant Khosla, CEO (Airtel Africa Anglophone Region) said, "Airtel is extremely pleased at the appointment of its first lady managing director in Africa. It has been our endeavor to consciously promote diversity within the employee base and provide opportunities to women employees, particularly in leadership positions. I firmly believe in the continued growth of our Zambian operation and I am confident that this exceptional team will continue to deliver innovative and best-in-class mobile services for all our stakeholders under her leadership."

Chanda Lumpa, a Zambian national, holds an MBA in Finance. She is back in her home country after a six-month stint in Lome, Togo, where she was the head of Ecobank group credit administration. Prior to her current appointment, she acted as managing director for Ecobank in Zambia. Before joining the banking industry, Charity was the managing director and chief executive officer of the Zambia National Tourist Board (ZNTB).