Airtel, the Smartphone Network swept four of the biggest accolades at the Ghana Information Technology and Telecom Awards (GITTA) held at the plush Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel on Saturday 21 May 2015.

The highly competitive industry awards, now in its 6th year, recognizes ICT and telecom industry players for their outstanding performance across different categories.

Airtel Ghana bagged four of the biggest awards – Best Data and Internet Service Provider, Best use of Social Media and Marketing Campaign of the year for its Too Much campaign. Airtel Ghana’s CEO and reigning CIMG Marketing Woman of the year was also crowned the telecom CEO of the year for her inspirational leadership that has driven Airtel to become Ghana’s fastest growing telecom network.

Best Data and Internet Service Provider of the Year

Airtel Ghana picked the most coveted award – Best Data and Internet Service Provider of the year for its superior internet and data service offering, its leadership in data and digital innovation which, saw the company being the first to launch world class innovations such as free Facebook, bundles on Facebook and dual scratch cards that allow customers to load either data or talk time directly from the same scratch card and for providing exceptional internet experience for its customers. The award also recognised the company’s ability to grow its data customer base and leapfrogging to number 3 in data customer market share

With Mobile voice subscription for the telecom industry peaking at circa 130.97% as at March 2016 (NCA report), industry growth is expected to be driven predominantly by data penetration which stands at about 68.18%. Airtel has over the year under review consistently grown data customers ahead of the industry with customer market share standing at 16.89%.

Speaking to the company’s phenomenal performance in data, Jean Claude Domilongo, Airtel Ghana’s Director in charge of its Internet Business said, “this is a validation of our position as the clear leaders in data and digital innovation in the country. Our motivation has always been to give our customers the best data, digital and internet experience on our network. We have been on this journey with our cherished customers and we would like to dedicate this award to them – for making us the number one telecom company for data and internet services”.

Best use of Social Media

Airtel Ghana has consistently led the way in effectively using social media to engage and connect with its customers and followers. The company has the industry’ largest number of followers on Facebook with more than 624,000 followers.

The company’s recognition also includes the effective use of social media to provide relevant content that inspires and connects with customers and followers, a proactive strategy to engage with customers, respond to queries and customer complaints in a timely manner.

Airtel Ghana has been recognised previously by Socialbakers as the most social devoted brand in Ghana.

Marketing Campaign of the year

Airtel’s Too Much ‘through the line’ campaign was recognised as the Marketing Campaign of the year. This year’s award makes it two years in a row that the company is winning this category – speaking to the creativity of the Brand and Marketing Communications team at Airtel Ghana.

Lucy Quist crowned CEO of the year

Airtel Ghana’s multiple award winning CEO, Lucy Quist, who is also the reigning CIMG Marketing Woman of the year was crowned the telecom CEO of the year for her exceptional leadership, contribution to the telecom industry, her ability to inspire and lead her team to deliver extraordinary results that has transformed Airtel Ghana into the fastest growing telecom company in Ghana and leapfrogging to the number 3 position for data customer market share. The award was also in recognition of her selfless dedication to inspire young people to believe in themselves and to fully realise their potentials.

Since assuming the role of CEO of Airtel Ghana in May 2014, Lucy Quist has led the transformation of the company and refocused her team on delivering exceptional experiences for customers, delivering world class innovations to enrich customers experience and pursing a differentiated strategy that has positively positioned Airtel Ghana for growth. Under her leadership, the company has successfully launched breakthrough innovations and sub brands dedicated to serving different customer segments. During this time, Airtel has become a well sought out employer for young talents, won multiple corporate and CSR awards, and became the most loved brand in the daily lives of Ghanaians.

During the 2015 edition of the awards, Lucy was celebrated with a Special Recognition by the Telecom Industry for her mercurial rise to become the first Ghanaian woman to lead a multinational telecoms company and for shaping industry thinking.

In December 2015, Lucy launched Airtel Ghana’s newest CSR initiative – Evolve with STEM – which she passionately leads to inspire belief and empower young people to pursue education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Since launch, the initiative has impacted over 1,000 pupils and inspired many Ghanaians and Corporates to set up other initiatives to promote STEM.

In a brief remark at the awards, Lucy said “I am truly honoured to be recognised as the telecom CEO of the year. My appreciation goes to the awards committee and everyone who nominated me for this prestigious award. It has been a great year for Airtel Ghana – a year in which we grew our voice and data customers ahead of the industry and launched breakthrough innovations in data and Airtel Money.

At Airtel, our commitment has always been to deliver superior value for customers and all stakeholders and this award is a recognition of the effort we put in every day to make this happen. I dedicate this award to my team at Airtel, who work tirelessly to provide the best experience for our customers. I dedicate this also to our cherished customers for choosing us as their network and to my family for their continuous support and encouragement”.

Airtel is Ghana’s fastest growing telecommunication network providing superior communication, connectivity and collaborative solutions to all its customers.