OpenAI has appointed Prabhjeet Singh, the former President of Uber India and South Asia, as its Managing Director for India, signaling the company’s deepened commitment to one of its fastest-growing global markets. Singh will join the AI startup in September as the most senior executive in the country, tasked with leading operations, partnerships, and AI adoption.
This strategic hire comes at a time when OpenAI is expanding its footprint in India, driven by surging demand for generative AI solutions from businesses, developers, and consumers. The company views India as a key market for scaling AI adoption and forging strategic alliances.
Singh to Drive Growth and Partnerships
In his new role, Singh will oversee OpenAI’s India operations, focusing on consumer growth, enterprise adoption, strategic partnerships, regulatory compliance, and overall business performance. He will collaborate with public and private sector organizations to accelerate AI adoption across the country. Singh will report to Kiran Mani, OpenAI’s Managing Director for the Asia-Pacific region, who was recently appointed to lead the company’s regional expansion.
A Veteran of India’s Tech Industry
Singh recently stepped down as President of Uber India and South Asia after more than a decade with the ride-hailing giant. During his five-year tenure starting in 2015, he was instrumental in expanding Uber’s presence, adding new mobility services, and building a strong footprint in India and neighboring regions. Before leading Uber, Singh worked in strategy and business development, earning recognition for driving growth in one of the company’s most challenging markets.
India Crucial for OpenAI’s Expansion
The appointment underscores OpenAI’s broader ambition to establish a stronger presence in India, as companies, startups, universities, and governments increasingly embrace generative AI. Analysts view the move as a deliberate effort to hire a leader with deep knowledge of India’s tech sector. Singh’s experience in scaling digital businesses will help OpenAI expand as AI technology gains traction among businesses and individuals.
This development comes amid intense global competition in the AI industry, with major players making significant investments in India’s rapidly growing sector.