In the world of global telecommunications and digital infrastructure, few names resonate as strongly as Sanjiv Ahuja. A pioneer, strategist, and visionary, he is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Tillman Global Holdings (TGH)—a firm that has redefined digital connectivity across continents. From leading corporate turnarounds to building billion-dollar ventures, Ahuja’s journey is not only a testament to his entrepreneurial brilliance but also an inspiration for leaders who aspire to shape industries and create lasting impact.
Sanjiv Ahuja: Early Education and Foundation of Excellence
Born with a natural curiosity for engineering and innovation, Sanjiv Ahuja pursued electrical engineering at Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi University (now Delhi Technological University). He later earned a master’s degree from Columbia University, New York, laying the academic foundation that would propel him into the global telecommunications arena.
His professional journey began at IBM in 1979, where he played a key role in taking IBM into the global telecommunications software market. By the early 1990s, he was leading IBM’s distributed network and systems business, sharpening his leadership skills and building expertise in the evolving digital ecosystem.
The Turnaround Specialist – Orange and Telcordia
What distinguishes Sanjiv Ahuja is his rare ability to transform organizations. At Telcordia Technologies (formerly Bellcore), where he served from 1994 to 2000, he doubled revenue and more than quadrupled profitability. His success at Telcordia earned him recognition as an executive capable of driving growth and delivering results.
His biggest corporate milestone came when he took over as CEO of Orange S.A. (2003–2007). Under his leadership, Orange grew from 48 million to over 100 million subscribers, expanded its footprint across Europe and Africa, and achieved an extraordinary financial turnaround. This period solidified his reputation as a global telecom leader, proving that his vision extended beyond technology—it was about empowering people through connectivity.
Sanjiv Ahuja: Building Tillman Global Holdings – A Digital Infrastructure Giant
In 2013, Sanjiv Ahuja founded Tillman Global Holdings, headquartered in New York. With a mission to create best-in-class digital infrastructure solutions, TGH quickly became a leading global player. Its portfolio spans fiber networks, small cells, cell towers, tower services, indoor DAS, and EV charging networks—core elements of the digital future.
Tillman Global Holdings has deployed over $7 billion in capital, developed 10,000+ towers, and operates across 20 countries. Through its subsidiaries like Tillman Infrastructure, Tillman FiberCo, and Tillman Digital Cities, the company is shaping the way people live, work, and communicate in a connected world.
What makes TGH stand out is not just its scale, but its vision—building digital bridges that fuel economies, empower communities, and accelerate global development.
Entrepreneurial Legacy – Eaton Towers, Apollo Towers, and Beyond
Beyond Tillman, Sanjiv Ahuja has founded and led several groundbreaking ventures. He pioneered independent telecom tower companies in Africa with Eaton Towers, developed next-generation telecom infrastructure in Myanmar with Apollo Towers, and launched JC Decaux Small Cells to improve urban connectivity.
His entrepreneurial journey reflects an unmatched foresight—anticipating the digital needs of tomorrow and creating infrastructure solutions that stand the test of time.
Board Memberships and Global Recognition
A respected thought leader, Sanjiv Ahuja has served on the boards of prestigious organizations including Telenor ASA, Cadbury’s, Williams-Sonoma, and Network Appliance. In 2018, he was appointed as a Non-Executive Director at Vodafone Group Plc, with the company praising his vast telecom expertise and international experience.
Beyond business, Ahuja is committed to philanthropy and social impact. He serves as a board member of PeaceTech Lab, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a director of the Ahuja Family Foundation, highlighting his dedication to global progress beyond corporate boardrooms.
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