Airtel Elevates Solanke Abimbola to Financial Controller

By Emmanuel Otokhine

Lagos, Nigeria; June 13, 2011: Leading telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria, has announced the promotion of Solanke Abimbola to the position of Financial Controller, in line with its unwavering commitment to the personal and professional advancement of its Nigerian employees.


Abimbola, who until his promotion was the Director of Treasury, will oversee the company's Financial Reporting & Compliance, Business Planning & Analysis and Tax functions, among others.


Mr. Abimbola brings to his new position over 19 years of professional experience spanning Accounting, Corporate Finance and Auditing.


Speaking on the appointment, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Rajan Swaroop stated that “Airtel is committed to creating a truly world class organization in Nigeria managed by Nigerians and Solanke's promotion affirms the company's pledge to provide more opportunities for Nigerians to grow within the Bharti-Airtel global family.”


The appointment, Swaroop explained, confirms Airtel management's confidence in the capacity and expertise of several highly talented Nigerians in the organization to transform and lead the business to newer heights.


Solanke, a Finance & Management M.SC holder of Cranfield University, Bedford, UK started his career in April 1991 with KPMG Professional Services. He spent thirteen years with KPMG before he left in 2003 as a Senior Manager in the Assurance and Business Advisory unit, serving the consumer & industrial markets, not-for-profit and telecommunications sectors.


He joined the organization, then known as Vmobile in October, 2004 as Head, Financial Management Division and has overseen the activities of vital directorates and divisions within the company's Finance Group including Revenue Management, Capex & Opex Financial Controls, Banking Services & Treasury Operations, Taxation and Budgeting & Reporting, among several others.


Abimbola, a Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (F.C.A) is also an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (ACTI).