New Chief Takes Over as Google Strengthens AI Focus in India

Google has announced the appointment of Preeti Lobana to lead its India operations, filling a crucial vacancy left when Sanjay Gupta was promoted to Asia-Pacific President in July. The move signals the tech giant’s continued drive to bolster its footprint in one of its key international markets, where digital growth and regulatory scrutiny go hand in hand. Lobana, who previously served as Vice President of advertising technology at Google, assumes her new role at a moment when the company looks to expand artificial intelligence initiatives across India, building on multi-billion-dollar investments made in recent years.

Her background is notably diverse, stretching from significant tenures at NatWest, American Express, and Standard Chartered, before joining Google in 2016. These roles have shaped her expertise in both finance and technology, two domains that intersect prominently in the burgeoning digital economy of India. Under her leadership, Google seeks to sharpen its AI offerings and collaborate more extensively with local businesses. The company has already allocated billions of dollars to accelerate internet adoption for millions of Indians and digitally transform regional enterprises. In 2020, Google committed an additional $10 billion to India, reflecting a long-term growth strategy anchored in the country’s evolving tech sector.

Alongside these ambitious plans, Google continues to grapple with intensifying regulatory pressures. In 2022, India levied a fine of $162 million against Google for allegedly engaging in anti-competitive behavior tied to Android. A separate $113 million penalty followed soon afterward, stemming from claims that the Android maker abused its dominance of the Google Play Store in a market where over 95% of smartphones run on Android. The scrutiny intensified in March this year when the Indian antitrust regulator launched a new investigation, accusing Google of implementing in-app billing policies in an “unfair” and “discriminatory manner.” These probes have shaped Google’s strategy, prompting the tech giant to tread carefully when rolling out new products or policies, especially those tied to financial transactions and application distribution models.

The organizational reshuffle also sees Roma Datta Chobey, who briefly led the company’s local unit on an interim basis, returning to her role overseeing Google’s digital business division. For Lobana, the top priority revolves around aligning Google’s AI innovations with regulatory requirements while deepening partnerships across the private and public sectors. The goal is twofold: maintain the company’s existing momentum in a thriving digital marketplace, and address any outstanding concerns from antitrust agencies through transparent compliance measures.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to shape the future with AI, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for businesses to boost productivity,” Lobana partly shared in a recent post. This sentiment underscores her vision for AI-driven transformation, particularly relevant in a market where digital payments, e-commerce, and online services continue to surge. Experts suggest her banking background could facilitate stronger relationships with traditional finance institutions, which are themselves exploring AI-based risk assessment, payment platforms, and customer experience tools.

By tapping into emerging technologies, Google aims to retain a competitive edge in a region brimming with new entrants and established rivals alike. The $10 billion investment pledge underscores its commitment to fostering technological innovation tailored to India’s local dynamics. However, concerns about monopolistic behavior and the responsibilities that come with market dominance remain pressing issues. As Google navigates these obstacles, Lobana’s leadership may help strike a balance between sustaining growth and meeting the heightened expectations of regulators and consumers alike.

While the broader implications of this appointment are yet to unfold, industry observers will be watching closely to see how Lobana steers Google’s expansion in India under the shadow of regulatory scrutiny. Her tenure is poised to shape the company’s approach to artificial intelligence, partnerships with local enterprises, and overall competitive standing in one of the world’s most dynamic digital economies.