Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL), one of India's leading telecom operators, has announced significant changes in its top management. The company's Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Tejas Mehta as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective October 6, 2025, and is seeking shareholder approval for the appointment of Abhijit Kishore as Chief Executive Officer.

New CEO Appointment

The Board of Directors has approved a draft Postal Ballot Notice seeking shareholder approval for the appointment and remuneration of Abhijit Kishore as Chief Executive Officer. Kishore has been appointed to the CEO role for a three-year term effective August 19, 2025.

Voting Process

• Shareholders on record as of October 3, 2025, are eligible to vote on the resolution.
• The company has appointed Umesh Ved & Associates as the scrutinizer for the postal ballot process.
• The e-voting period is scheduled from October 13 to November 11, 2025.
• Results are expected to be declared on November 12, 2025.

New CFO Brings Extensive Experience

Tejas Mehta, aged 49, joins Vodafone Idea with a wealth of experience in finance and business management. Prior to this appointment, Mehta served as the CFO of Mondelēz India, where he played a crucial role in driving consistent business growth amidst challenging macroeconomic conditions.

Career Highlights

• Qualification: Chartered Accountant (1997)
• Experience: Over 25 years across India and international markets
• Previous Roles:
  • CFO at Mondelēz India
  • Group Finance Controller in London
  • Finance and IS Director (CFO) in Thailand
  • CFO in Turkey
  • Supply Chain Management for Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa

Mehta's career journey began at Marico Industries before he joined Mondelez India in 2002 as a Treasury Manager. Over two decades with Mondelez, he held various senior positions, showcasing his ability to lead large P&Ls through periods of growth, transformation, and integration.

Board Approval and Regulatory Compliance

The CFO appointment was approved by Vodafone Idea's Board of Directors on October 3, 2025, based on recommendations from the Audit Committee and Nomination and Remuneration Committee. This change in key managerial personnel was disclosed in compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.

Transition in Leadership

• Outgoing CFO: Murthy GVAS will conclude his tenure on October 5, 2025
• Incoming CFO: Tejas Mehta will assume the role on October 6, 2025

Expectations and Challenges

As Tejas Mehta prepares to take on the role of CFO at Vodafone Idea, he brings a strong track record of financial leadership and experience in navigating complex business environments. His expertise in building regional Centres of Excellence, strengthening business processes, and driving global initiatives in functional excellence and talent development is expected to be valuable for Vodafone Idea as it continues to navigate the competitive telecom landscape in India.

The telecom sector in India has been facing various challenges, including intense competition and regulatory pressures. Mehta's diverse international experience and proven ability to drive growth in challenging environments could prove crucial for Vodafone Idea's financial strategy and operational efficiency in the coming years.

As the company moves forward with these transitions in its top leadership, stakeholders will be keen to see how Abhijit Kishore as CEO and Tejas Mehta as CFO contribute to Vodafone Idea's strategic direction and financial health in the dynamic telecom market.

Vodafone Idea , one of India's leading telecom operators, has taken a significant legal step in its ongoing battle over Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues. The company has filed a fresh petition in the Supreme Court, seeking relief from a substantial financial burden.

New Petition Details

The telecom giant has approached the Supreme Court with a new petition aimed at waiving the penalty and interest on an additional AGR demand of Rs 9,450.00 crore. This move comes just ahead of a crucial hearing scheduled for October 6, where the court will consider the company's challenge against what it claims is a duplication of AGR dues.

Breaking Down the Demand

The Rs 9,450.00 crore demand is split into two components:

• Rs 2,774.00 crore related to the post-merger entity
• Rs 5,675.00 crore pertaining to pre-merger Vodafone Group liabilities

Vodafone Idea argues that this demand exceeds the scope of the court's earlier AGR ruling, potentially setting the stage for a significant legal debate.

Existing AGR Dues and Waiver Request

The company's financial obligations are substantial:

• Total AGR dues currently stand at over Rs 83,000.00 crore
• Vodafone Idea has sought a waiver on Rs 45,000.00 crore of these dues

This new petition underscores the company's ongoing efforts to manage its considerable debt burden and improve its financial position.

Government's Stake in Vodafone Idea

In a notable development earlier this year, the Indian government became the largest shareholder in Vodafone Idea:

• The government acquired shares worth Rs 36,950.00 crore in lieu of spectrum dues in March
• This acquisition added to its existing 33% stake obtained in 2023

The government's significant stake in the company adds an interesting dimension to the ongoing legal and financial maneuverings.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming Supreme Court hearing on October 6 will be a crucial moment for Vodafone Idea. The court's decision on this new petition and the company's challenge against the duplication of AGR dues could have far-reaching implications for the telecom operator's financial future and its ability to compete in India's dynamic telecommunications market.

As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders in India's telecom sector will be watching closely to see how this latest development impacts not only Vodafone Idea but potentially the broader industry landscape as well.