Ajai Puri

Ajai is a global Telecom, Media and FMCG executive with over 40 years of experience in starting and building, growing, transforming businesses and creating shareholder value in South Asia. He, most recently, was the Chief Operating Officer (COO), India & South Asia for Bharti Airtel Limited, retired on 31st Dec’21. For over 17 years at Bharti Airtel, Ajai led various businesses, driving strategic change, operational efficiency and commercial excellence, resulting in significant growth in both Market Share and profitability. He was also the longest serving member of the Airtel Management Board (12+ years). He also served as the Chairman, Cellular Operators Association India (COAI) during 2020-22, an Indian non-government industry association and advocacy group focused mainly on telecom and digital industry.

Ajai is passionate about reading, current affairs and spends a significant amount of his time traveling. He takes keen interest in cricket and badminton. Ajai has been engaged in philanthropic initiatives on a personal level. With the association with SVP, he aims at engaging in a more structured way in the areas of child education, health and betterment of under-privileged.