OpenAI has taken a decisive step in strengthening its India presence with the appointment of Akash Iyer as Social Lead for India. The move comes just days after the AI company announced plans to set up its first India office in New Delhi, underlining its commitment to deepening local engagement in one of the fastest-growing tech markets in the world.
Iyer brings with him over a decade of experience across media, marketing, and digital storytelling. He has held leadership roles at Netflix, where he worked on film and series marketing, and previously at SportsKeeda, The Glitch, BuzzFeed, and RR Donnelley. His career spans both creative and strategic domains, giving him a unique edge in navigating India’s diverse social landscape.
In his LinkedIn announcement, Iyer called his new role at OpenAI “an incredible opportunity” and highlighted the responsibility of contributing to OpenAI’s mission of developing artificial general intelligence (AGI) that benefits humanity. This statement reflects not only personal enthusiasm but also the broader challenge OpenAI faces: making AI relatable, responsible, and relevant for India’s massive digital audience.
The timing of this appointment is significant. India is home to one of the largest pools of internet users globally, with Gen Z and millennial consumers shaping the way technology and content are consumed. For OpenAI, building meaningful connections through social platforms is not just about visibility; it’s about trust, education, and integration into everyday lives. With Iyer at the helm of social strategy, the company is expected to focus on community-building, localised storytelling, and transparent conversations around AI adoption.
Industry watchers see this as more than a simple leadership hire. OpenAI’s entry into India, backed by experienced professionals like Iyer, signals a long-term plan to position itself at the intersection of technology, culture, and public discourse. As global debates around AI governance, safety, and accessibility intensify, India will play a central role, and voices like Iyer’s will be crucial in shaping how these conversations resonate locally.