Prabhjeet Singh, the longtime head of Uber India, has stepped down to take on a new role as managing director of OpenAI for India, focusing on consumer growth, enterprise adoption, and strategic partnerships.
- Prabhjeet Singh leaves Uber India after 11 years.
- Joins OpenAI as MD for India starting September 2026.
- Will focus on AI adoption across consumer, business, and government sectors.
What happened
Prabhjeet Singh officially stepped down as the head of Uber India after leading the company’s operations for more than a decade. His departure was announced in June 2026, marking the end of a significant era during which Uber India established itself as a leading player in the ride-hailing market. The company acknowledged Singh’s strong leadership and foundation building over the years.
Shortly after stepping down, it was confirmed that Singh will join OpenAI as the managing director for India, beginning in September 2026. He will report to OpenAI’s Asia Pacific MD Kiran Mani and take charge of driving growth, strategic partnerships, and regulatory engagement across the Indian AI ecosystem.
Why it matters
Singh’s move highlights the increasing importance of India as a strategic market in the global AI landscape. OpenAI’s decision to appoint a seasoned leader with extensive experience in managing large-scale operations and market expansions reflects its ambition to deepen engagement with Indian consumers, businesses, and government institutions.
The transition also underscores shifts within the technology sector, where leadership talent is migrating from ride-hailing and mobility services to frontier technologies like artificial intelligence. Given Singh’s background in innovation and operations combined with OpenAI’s cutting-edge AI tools, the partnership could accelerate AI adoption and ecosystem building in India.
What to watch next
Observers will be closely monitoring how Singh’s leadership influences OpenAI’s strategy and growth trajectory in India. Key areas will include partnerships with enterprises, government collaborations, and fostering consumer use of AI technologies. OpenAI’s plans for broadening AI adoption amid India’s evolving regulatory and competitive landscape will also be in focus.
Additionally, Singh’s ability to leverage his deep understanding of India’s market dynamics and stakeholder environment will be critical. The industry will watch for announcements on regional initiatives, investments, and innovation partnerships as OpenAI aims to capitalize on India’s growing appetite for AI-powered solutions.