New Delhi, August 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Sunil Bharti Mittal will step down as Non-Executive Chairman of Airtel Payments Bank and relinquish his position on the bank’s Board with effect from September 30, 2026, marking a leadership transition at the digital banking arm of Bharti Enterprises.
Shabnam Sinha, currently an Independent Director on the bank’s Board, will take over as Chairperson for a three-year term beginning October 1, 2026. Her appointment has been approved by the Board and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Airtel Payments Bank announced the transition in an exchange filing, saying Mittal was concluding his tenure as Non-Executive Chairman after leading the bank since his appointment in April 2016.
Sinha said she was honoured to take on the responsibility at a time when digital financial services were becoming an important part of India’s inclusive growth story. She said she looked forward to working with the Board and management to build on the bank’s momentum, drive its next phase of growth and expand its impact among customers, partners and communities.
According to Airtel Payments Bank, Sinha has more than three decades of leadership and board experience spanning development finance, financial services, public policy and institutional transformation. Her career also includes a stint with the World Bank, where she advised governments and institutions across Asia, Africa and Europe on governance, risk management and operational effectiveness.
Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, was appointed Non-Executive Chairman of Airtel Payments Bank in April 2016. The bank said that during his tenure it grew into India’s largest payments bank by revenue, with operations across consumer and enterprise businesses.
Reflecting on his departure, Mittal described his tenure as Chairman as a privilege and expressed confidence that Sinha would build on the bank’s existing foundation and strengthen its position as a digital banking platform.
Shares of Bharti Airtel closed at Rs 1,975 on Monday, down 0.86 per cent, or Rs 17.10, from the previous close.
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