Google has named Preeti Lobana as the new head of its India operations, marking a significant milestone for the tech giant in one of its most strategically important markets. Lobana’s appointment fills the critical leadership gap left vacant since Sanjay Gupta’s elevation to the role of Asia-Pacific president in July.
A Visionary Leader for a Key Market
Preeti Lobana, formerly Google’s vice president of advertising technology, steps into her new role at a pivotal moment for the company. With a strong background in both technology and finance, Lobana’s leadership is expected to steer Google’s India business into a new era of growth, particularly as the company intensifies its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) solutions.
Lobana joined Google in 2016, bringing with her a wealth of experience from a successful career in banking, including senior roles at NatWest, American Express, and Standard Chartered. Her deep understanding of business strategy and technological innovation positions her as the ideal leader to navigate the complexities of the Indian digital ecosystem.
In her LinkedIn announcement, Lobana expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to shape the future with AI, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for businesses to boost productivity, solve critical challenges, and create innovative solutions.”
India: A Cornerstone in Google’s Global Strategy
India has emerged as one of Google’s most important overseas markets, with the company investing billions to expand internet access and digitize local businesses. In 2020, Google announced a $10 billion investment plan to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies across the country. With over 700 million internet users, India represents a massive opportunity for Google to drive growth and innovation, especially in sectors like e-commerce, fintech, and education.
The company’s efforts have already made a significant impact, enabling millions of small and medium businesses to embrace digital tools and connect with customers online. However, this rapid expansion has not come without challenges.
Navigating Regulatory Hurdles
Google’s dominance in India’s digital market has attracted increasing scrutiny from regulators. In 2022, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) fined Google $162 million for anti-competitive practices related to its Android operating system. Shortly after, another $113 million penalty was imposed for alleged abuse of its dominant position with the Google Play Store. These fines reflect the growing concerns around Google’s influence in a market where over 95% of smartphones operate on Android.
The regulatory pressure hasn’t eased in 2023. In March, the CCI launched yet another investigation into Google, alleging that the company’s in-app billing policies were “unfair” and “discriminatory.” As Google continues to expand its AI-driven initiatives, balancing innovation with regulatory compliance will be one of Lobana’s top priorities.
Driving AI Innovation in India
Under Lobana’s leadership, Google’s India operations are expected to deepen their focus on AI. With the global competition in AI heating up, Google is leveraging its cutting-edge technology to address key challenges in India, such as improving healthcare access, enhancing agricultural productivity, and driving educational equity.
The company has already introduced several AI-driven tools tailored for the Indian market, including language translation features, voice search in regional languages, and AI-powered solutions for local businesses. Lobana’s expertise in advertising technology and strategic leadership will likely accelerate the development and deployment of these innovations.
A Transition in Leadership
Lobana succeeds Roma Datta Chobey, who had been serving as the interim head of Google’s India business. Chobey will now return to her previous role leading the company’s digital business unit, ensuring continuity in Google’s broader India strategy.
The Road Ahead
As Lobana takes the reins, she inherits both immense opportunities and formidable challenges. India’s digital landscape is evolving rapidly, with increasing competition from global and local players. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta are doubling down on their investments in the region, while homegrown startups continue to disrupt traditional industries.
Lobana’s appointment signals a renewed focus on leadership and innovation as Google seeks to maintain its dominance and expand its influence in India. Her unique blend of technical expertise, financial acumen, and visionary thinking is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Google’s India operations.
With AI at the forefront of its strategy, Google’s next chapter in India promises to be both transformative and impactful—not just for the company, but for the millions of Indians who stand to benefit from its innovations.
