OpenAI has hired Prabhjeet Singh, a longtime Uber executive, to serve as its first Managing Director for India.
Singh had led Uber's India and South Asia business as President, and according to MSN is an alumnus of the IITs and IIMs, two of India's most selective educational institutions. Reports including the Financial Express say he is departing Uber after an 11-year tenure, during which he oversaw the ride-hailing company's growth and strategic shifts in the region, including an expansion of premium services. Moneycontrol reports that Singh will join OpenAI in September.
Earlier coverage from CNBC-TV18 cited sources saying the move was likely before it was confirmed. In his new role, OpenAI says Singh will strengthen its leadership team and oversee growth, partnerships, enterprise adoption, and the broader AI ecosystem in the country. The Financial Express notes his remit includes enterprise expansion and local partnerships.
The appointment underscores how central India has become to OpenAI's global ambitions. TechCrunch describes India as OpenAI's biggest market outside the United States, and Fortune India calls it the company's second-largest market. Multiple outlets characterize India as one of OpenAI's top-priority and fastest-growing markets. TechCrunch reports the hire is part of a wider push that includes expanding offices, partnerships, and hiring across the country.
Why it matters: India is one of the largest pools of internet users in the world, and OpenAI's decision to install a seasoned local operator signals that the AI race is increasingly being fought market by market, with companies competing to embed their tools in everyday business and consumer life far beyond Silicon Valley.