BLANTYRE--A Malawian has been appointed managing director 

for the country's

biggest mobile phone company Airtel, formerly Zain Africa, which in Malawi alone has
over one million subscribers.
 
Manoj Kohli, CEO of Airtel said in a statement obtained by Maravipost.com that Saulos
Chilima was being promoted from the position of Sales and Distribution Director to MD,
Malawi effective 1st August 2010.
 
"During his tenure as sales director for Zain Malawi since September 2006, the
company was awarded “OPCO of the Year 2008” as well as “Initiative of the Year” with
the Quick Refill Centers (QRC) concept," Kohli said.
 
A graduate of the University of Malawi, Chilima, who holds a master’s degree in
economics, started his career in telecommunications as sales director for Zain Malawi in
September 2006. He has been on Zain Malawi Board since 2009.
 
Prior to joining Zain, Chilima worked in sales for a couple of multinational companies
including Coca Cola and Unilever. He also worked in finance for a financing firm.
 
Kohli said Chilima takes over from Fayaz Kings, who has "ably led Malawi as the MD
with excellent results." King will now assume a new responsibility as MD, Zambia with
immediate effect following the resignation of David Hollida.
 
Chilima will be "responsible for the overall business strategy and successful implementation of
market leadership initiatives in Malawi," said Kohli.—maravipost
CEO (International) & Joint MD – Bharti Airtel Ltd.

Manoj Kohli is the CEO (International) & Joint MD, Bharti Airtel. He heads the International
Business Group. He is a Director on the Board of Bharti Airtel. Prior to becoming CEO
(International) & Joint MD, Manoj held multiple roles as CEO & Joint MD, President & CEO,
Head of Mobile Services business at Bharti Airtel.

Manoj started his career in 1979 with DCM Ltd., where he initially led the HR function,
followed by leadership positions in the Foods, Chemicals and Fertilizer businesses and
assignments in Engineering projects, including Shriram Honda. He left as Vice President,
responsible for the Air Conditioning & Refrigeration business unit (now known as Tecumseh
& Daikin) after a total stint of 16 years. He subsequently worked at AlliedSignal/Honeywell,
where he was Executive Director in charge of its new Industrial Park and operations in India.

Manoj joined Escotel, which he led for over 5 years as Executive Director and CEO, before
coming on board at Bharti Airtel.

Manoj is the Chairman – Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) National Committee on

Telecom & Broadband. He was member of the Board of GSMA in 2008. He has been the
Chairman of Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). He was adjudged “Telecom
Man of the Year” and “Telecom Person of the Year” by Media Transasia and Voice & Data
respectively. He is a member of the Academic Council of the Faculty of Management
Studies and has been awarded the “Best Alumni Award” by SRCC, Delhi University.
Manoj holds degrees in Commerce, Law and MBA from Delhi University. Manoj also
attended the “Executive Business Program” at the Michigan Business School and the
“Advanced Management Program” at the Wharton Business School.