Who is Kiran Mani? OpenAI’s new APAC head and former JioHotstar CEO

OpenAI has made a significant leadership move by appointing Kiran Mani, the former digital CEO of JioStar, as its Managing Director for the Asia-Pacific region. This strategic hire comes as the company intensifies its focus on India and other key markets in the region. Mani is set to relocate to Singapore in June, where OpenAI has established its regional headquarters. In his new role, Mani will report directly to Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon, taking charge of business strategy, partnerships, and market growth across Asia-Pacific, which includes vital markets such as India, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and Australia. This appointment coincides with OpenAI's efforts to expand its international footprint and tap into high-growth markets, particularly emphasizing India's importance in its global strategy. With over twenty years of expertise in digital media, technology, and the consumer internet space, Mani's background positions him uniquely for this role. His most recent position as CEO of JioStar's digital division saw him manage platforms like JioHotstar and Cricinfo, where he spearheaded product development and revenue strategies. As a founding CEO of JioHotstar, he played a pivotal role in the merger of Viacom18 and Star India, thus shaping one of India's largest media and entertainment entities. Prior to his tenure at JioStar, Mani enjoyed a successful 13-year career at Google, advancing to the position of general manager for Android and Google Play in the Asia-Pacific and Japan regions. His professional journey also includes roles at Microsoft and IBM. At OpenAI, Mani is expected to prioritize the growth of enterprise adoption of AI technologies, forge regional partnerships, and implement go-to-market strategies across a variety of markets. The demand for generative AI continues to surge, with businesses, developers, and governments increasingly integrating AI into coding, customer service, content generation, and automation. Mani's extensive experience in scaling consumer platforms and collaborating with telecom, media, and technology partners will be invaluable as OpenAI aims to tailor its offerings to local needs and strengthen ecosystem connections. The focus on India is particularly pronounced, as OpenAI recognizes the country as a core growth market. Recently, the company launched the "OpenAI for India" initiative to support local startups, developers, and enterprise adoption, alongside investments in infrastructure. India has emerged as one of the largest user bases for ChatGPT, and OpenAI is committed to enhancing local partnerships and accessibility. As part of its strategy, OpenAI is collaborating with Indian companies, including the Tata Group, to establish data centers that will facilitate local deployment of its AI models. This initiative aims to comply with data residency regulations and minimize latency for Indian businesses. Additionally, OpenAI is expanding its physical presence in India, having hired its first employee in the country in 2024, with plans for continued growth in personnel.