Google has announced the appointment of Priti Lobana as the new head of its India operations, filling a crucial leadership position that had been vacant since Sanjay Gupta was promoted to President of Asia Pacific in July.
A Proven Leader in Digital Innovation
Priti Lobana , formerly the Vice President of Advertising Technology at Google, will now oversee the company’s operations in India, including its strategic focus on promoting artificial intelligence (AI) products amid rising competition in the digital landscape. Lobana joined Google in 2016 and has played a key role in driving technological advancements within the organization.
Priti Lobana ‘s professional journey includes extensive experience in banking, having held leadership roles at NatWest, American Express, and Standard Chartered, before transitioning to tech.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to shape the future using artificial intelligence, opening up unprecedented opportunities for businesses to enhance productivity, solve critical challenges, and create innovative solutions,” Lobana shared in a LinkedIn post.
Google’s Strategic Focus on India
India remains a vital market for Google, with billions of dollars invested to connect millions of Indians to the internet and accelerate the digitization of local businesses. In 2020, the company launched its ambitious $10 billion Google for India Digitization Fund, aimed at fostering innovation, education, and accessibility in the region.
Challenges in India’s Regulatory Environment
Despite its robust investments, Google is navigating significant regulatory challenges in India.
- In 2022, India’s antitrust authorities fined Google $162 million for alleged anti-competitive practices on Android, followed by another $113 million penalty for misuse of its dominant position with the Google Play Store.
- Earlier this year, an investigation was launched into Alphabet, Google’s parent company, over its in-app billing policies, which were deemed “unfair” and “discriminatory” by regulators.
These challenges highlight the complexities of operating in the world’s second-largest internet and smartphone market, where Android powers over 95% of devices.
Leadership Transition on Priti Lobana
With Lobana stepping into her new role, Roma Datta Choubey, who had been serving as interim head, will return to managing Google’s digital business unit in India.
The Road Ahead for Google in India
Under Lobana’s leadership, Google is expected to strengthen its focus on AI integration and digital inclusion. Her expertise will be instrumental in addressing the evolving needs of Indian businesses and consumers while navigating the regulatory landscape.
India’s dynamic digital market offers enormous growth opportunities, and Google’s continued investments in technology and innovation are set to play a transformative role in shaping the nation’s digital future.
Google Appoints Preeti Lobana as Vice President and Country Manager for India
Google has officially named Preeti Lobana as its new Vice President and Country Manager for India, marking a significant leadership shift. Lobana takes over from Roma Datta Chobey, who had been serving as the interim leader for the company’s India operations. This appointment positions Lobana as a key figure in driving Google’s growth and innovation in one of its most dynamic and strategically important markets.
Lobana’s appointment also highlights a growing trend of gender diversity in leadership roles within India’s tech industry. With this move, Google becomes the second major technology company in India to appoint a female country head, following Meta’s earlier decision to do the same.
As Vice President and Country Manager, Lobana will oversee Google’s initiatives in India, including the expansion of its AI-driven solutions, partnerships with local businesses, and regulatory compliance. Her leadership comes at a time when India is witnessing rapid digital transformation, offering both opportunities and challenges for global tech firms.
This development underscores Google’s commitment to fostering innovation and inclusion, while addressing the unique needs of the Indian market. Lobana’s vast experience and vision are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Google’s future in the region.