Vodafone Idea Appoints Abhijit Kishore as New CEO Amidst Debt Challenges and 5G Push

Kishore’s appointment marks a turning point in Vodafone Idea’s comeback strategy, as the next three years will determine whether Vi can overcome its financial hurdles and re-establish itself as a strong contender in India’s telecom growth story.



Telecom giant Vodafone Idea (Vi) has announced the appointment of industry veteran Abhijit Kishore as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective August 19, 2025. Kishore, who currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO), will take over from Akshaya Moondra, whose three-year term ends on August 18, 2025. The decision was finalized during the company’s board meeting on August 14, with Kishore being recommended by the nomination and remuneration committee.

The leadership transition comes at a critical juncture for Vodafone Idea, as the company continues to battle mounting debt, AGR dues (Adjusted Gross Revenue fines), and intense competition from Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. Kishore’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Vi’s turnaround plan, improve financial stability, and accelerate its 5G rollout strategy in India’s rapidly evolving telecom landscape.

Abhijit Kishore has been with Vodafone Idea since 2015 and has held several senior leadership positions across circle operations and corporate levels. He previously served as the Chief Enterprise Business Officer, successfully spearheading enterprise mobility solutions and digital transformation initiatives. Notably, as the Circle Business Head for Gujarat and Kerala, Kishore played a key role in launching India’s first 4G network, cementing his reputation as a transformational leader in the telecom sector.

With over 27 years of experience in Indian telecom, Kishore brings deep expertise in network operations, enterprise solutions, and customer-centric strategies. He is an alumnus of Delhi University and FORE School of Management, with advanced leadership training from IIM Ahmedabad and London Business School.

Kishore’s leadership is expected to shape Vodafone Idea’s future as it strives to regain market share in the telecom industry, roll out affordable 5G services, and expand its digital ecosystem in line with India’s Digital Bharat vision. With the Indian government pushing for self-reliant telecom infrastructure and rising demand for high-speed data, enterprise solutions, and IoT, Vi’s revival under Kishore could play a pivotal role in making India a global 5G innovation hub.