Sandeep Tilekar
Pune
Summary
Dynamic telecom leader with extensive experience at Bharti Airtel Ltd., driving network operations for 25,000 sites. Expert in AI and automation, achieving significant cost reductions while enhancing customer satisfaction. Proven ability to manage large teams and deliver results under pressure, ensuring operational excellence across diverse environments.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Vice President, Networks | Circle Operation Head – Active + Infra
Bharti Airtel Ltd.
11.2023 - Current
- Lead network operations for 25,000 sites serving 20M customers across 2G/4G/5G.
- Directed 300+ team members (on-roll, off-roll, and partners).
- Achieved YoY cost reduction via infra optimization (diesel, solar, EB, site loading).
- Introduced AI-based field ops, improving customer experience and reducing churn.
- Managed crisis response during cyclones, ensuring >95% uptime vs competitors.
COO – Managed Services, Airtel Africa
Ericsson India Ltd.
04.2021 - 11.2023
- Managed operations across 11 countries, covering 12 IN/Charging systems.
- Improved uptime and reduced OPEX by 12% through automation and analytics.
Director – Managed Services, MH & Goa Circle
Ericsson India Ltd.
01.2017 - 03.2021
- Oversaw 14,000+ sites, ensuring KPI/SLA excellence.
- Rolled out VoLTE for Maharashtra circle, improving customer satisfaction.
Program Manager – Cloud Products
Nokia Solutions & Networks Pvt. Ltd.
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Delivered end-to-end cloud programs with CAPEX/OPEX optimization.
National Head – PACO Operations
Nokia Solutions & Networks Pvt. Ltd.
05.2010 - 12.2015
- Directed LTE deployments across 10 Bharti circles.
Manager – SW Release
British Telecom Ltd.
11.2008 - 05.2010
Education
B.E. - Electronics
University of Pune
01.1996
Skills
- Telecom infrastructure operations
- Network quality assurance
- AI and automation technologies
- 2G, 4G, and 5G expertise
Certification
- AI for Business Leaders, Ericsson, 2023
- Leadership Accelerator Program, Harvard/Ericsson
- PMP Training, Wipro
Core Expertise
- Service Delivery & Operations Management (Global Scale)
- Business Transformation & Digital Strategy
- AI, Automation & Operational Excellence
- Cost Optimization & Governance
- Stakeholder & Client Management
- Leadership of Cross-Functional Global Teams
- Telecom (2G/4G/5G)
Timeline
Associate Vice President, Networks | Circle Operation Head – Active + Infra
Bharti Airtel Ltd.
11.2023 - Current
COO – Managed Services, Airtel Africa
Ericsson India Ltd.
04.2021 - 11.2023
Director – Managed Services, MH & Goa Circle
Ericsson India Ltd.
01.2017 - 03.2021
Program Manager – Cloud Products
Nokia Solutions & Networks Pvt. Ltd.
01.2015 - 12.2016
National Head – PACO Operations
Nokia Solutions & Networks Pvt. Ltd.
05.2010 - 12.2015
Manager – SW Release
British Telecom Ltd.
11.2008 - 05.2010
B.E. - Electronics
University of Pune
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