Uber's outgoing India head Prabhjeet Singh is set to join OpenAI as the Managing Director for India in September, according to a company announcement. The appointment underscores OpenAI's strategic focus on India, which the company identifies as one of its top priority markets.
Appointment Details
Prabhjeet Singh, who has been leading Uber's operations in India and South Asia, will transition to his new role at OpenAI starting September. The move comes as OpenAI expands its global footprint and deepens its presence in key regions. Singh brings extensive experience in scaling technology platforms and managing large-scale operations, which will be instrumental in driving OpenAI's growth in India.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said, "India is a critical market for us, and we are thrilled to have Prabhjeet lead our efforts there. His track record of building and scaling businesses aligns perfectly with our mission to ensure artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity."
Strategic Importance of India
India represents a significant opportunity for OpenAI, given its large developer community, growing AI adoption, and supportive policy environment. The company has been actively investing in the region, including partnerships with Indian startups and educational institutions. Singh's appointment is expected to accelerate these initiatives.
According to industry analysts, India's AI market is projected to reach $7.8 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 20.2%. OpenAI's investment in local leadership signals its commitment to capturing a share of this expanding market.
Prabhjeet Singh's Background
Singh has been with Uber since 2017, serving in various leadership roles including President of Uber India and South Asia. Under his leadership, Uber expanded its services across multiple cities and launched new mobility solutions. Prior to Uber, Singh worked at McKinsey & Company and held roles in the technology and consulting sectors.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi thanked Singh for his contributions, stating, "Prabhjeet has been instrumental in building Uber's business in India. We wish him the very best in his new role at OpenAI."
OpenAI's Global Expansion
OpenAI has been expanding its international presence, with offices in San Francisco, London, Dublin, and Tokyo. The India office will be led by Singh and is expected to focus on research, developer relations, and go-to-market strategies. The company has also been hiring for roles in engineering, product, and policy in India.
The appointment of a local managing director is part of OpenAI's broader strategy to tailor its offerings to regional needs while adhering to local regulations. India's government has been promoting AI adoption through initiatives like the National AI Strategy and the establishment of AI research centers.
