In the fast-paced world of telecommunications—where technology shifts by the minute and competition tests even the strongest leaders—few journeys shine as brightly as Sunil Sood, Leadership Journey. A strategist, a builder, a reformer, and above all, a believer in the power of technology to elevate humanity, Sunil Sood stands tall as one of India’s most influential telecom leaders.
From his early days in the FMCG sector to steering one of the world’s largest telecom operations, Sood’s story is a remarkable blend of intellect, innovation, and unwavering commitment to societal good.
Sunil Sood: A Foundation of Excellence – IIT, IIM, and Harvard
Sunil Sood’s educational path laid the groundwork for his exceptional career.
A graduate of IIT Delhi (B.Tech, 1982), an alumnus of IIM Calcutta, and a participant in the prestigious Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program, he represents the rare blend of technical depth and strategic clarity. These formative experiences not only shaped his management style but also sparked his lifelong passion for building systems that empower people.
Early Career: Leadership Across Continents
Before entering telecom, Sood built a strong foundation in the FMCG industry across India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. His tenure included leading PepsiCo in Bangladesh as CEO, where he honed his instincts for consumer behavior, large-scale operations, and people-centric leadership.
This ability to build brands, understand markets, and manage diverse teams later became a cornerstone of his influence in India’s telecom revolution.
Sunil Sood: The Telecom Journey Begins – A New Era with Hutch and Vodafone
Sood stepped into the telecom industry in the summer of 2000, joining Hutch (Vodafone’s predecessor) as Vice President, Sales & Marketing for Delhi. His rise was meteoric—powered by deep customer insight, sharp business acumen, and a fearless commitment to innovation.
Over the next 15 years, he took on strategic leadership roles across Gujarat, Chennai, and Kolkata, eventually becoming COO, and then the Managing Director & CEO of Vodafone India in April 2015.
Leading Vodafone India: Scaling New Peaks
Under his leadership, Vodafone India experienced one of the most transformative phases in its history. The organization expanded across every parameter—revenue, subscribers, and network reach—cementing its place as one of India’s most admired telecom brands.
1. Guiding the Landmark Vodafone–Idea Merger
Sood oversaw the strategic groundwork leading up to the historic merger between Vodafone India and Idea Cellular, shaping the creation of what became one of the largest telecom companies in the world. His steady leadership during a turbulent industry phase ensured stability, clarity, and long-term vision.
2. Spearheading M-Pesa: Financial Inclusion at Scale
He championed M-Pesa, an innovative mobile wallet that brought convenient and secure money transfers to millions, especially in underserved communities. Under Sood’s guidance, financial inclusion became more than a social initiative—it became a nationwide movement.
3. Expanding the Network and Customer Base
Vodafone India’s revenue soared from ₹400 crore to over ₹42,000 crore, while its customer base expanded from 3 million to over 200 million. Such exponential growth stands as a testament to Sood’s foresight and operational excellence.
4. Innovation for Social Good
Sood’s belief that “technology must improve lives” led to groundbreaking initiatives:
-
Project Drishti – enabling financial independence for visually impaired individuals.
-
Immunize India – the world’s largest vaccination reminder service launched in partnership with the Indian Academy of Paediatrics.
-
Project Drishti and M-Pesa became national symbols of what socially responsible innovation can achieve.
5. Industry Leadership and Policy Influence
Recognized for his industry-wide vision, Sood was:
-
Chairman of COAI (2018)
-
Member of CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM
-
Director on the board of Indus Towers, the world’s largest telecom tower company
-
Chairman of the British Business Group (BBG), Mumbai
His voice helped shape India’s telecom policy landscape during one of its most dynamic decades.