Bharti Airtel appoints former SBI chairman Dinesh Khara as independent director

Bharti Airtel Limited, in an announcement dated November 3, 2025, has appointed Dinesh Kumar Khara as an additional director, effective immediately. Following the recommendation of the HR & nomination committee and subject to shareholder approval, Khara will serve as an independent director for a five-year term, concluding on November 2, 2030.

Khara brings nearly 40 years of banking expertise, having previously served as chairman of the State Bank of India (SBI) from October 2020 to August 2024. His career at SBI also included roles as managing director (global banking & subsidiaries) and managing director (associates & subsidiaries), where he oversaw significant mergers and key functions such as risk and information technology. Prior to his managing director roles, he was the managing director & CEO of SBI Funds Management.

Khara holds an MBA from the Faculty of Management Studies, New Delhi, and a postgraduate degree in commerce from the Delhi School of Economics. He is also a fellow of the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance. The company confirmed that Khara is not related to any existing directors and is not debarred from holding a directorship by any SEBI order.