Tech Giant Aims to Strengthen Advocacy in AI, Cloud, and YouTube
Google is restructuring its Government Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) team in India as part of its efforts to strengthen its presence in the world’s largest user market. The move comes amid Google’s growing artificial intelligence (AI) investments and regulatory challenges in India.
India is Google’s biggest market by user base, with over a billion users across its products, including Android, YouTube, and Google Search. The company has invested billions of dollars in India over the years, helping bring millions of users and small businesses online.
Google Overhauls Public Policy Team in India
The restructuring follows the exit of Sreenivasa Reddy, Google’s former public policy head, after a 16-month stint. As per an internal email from Wilson White, Google’s Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy, the company is making significant leadership changes to align with India’s evolving digital landscape.
“India has always been a strategically important market for Google and YouTube, and it plays an increasing role in shaping the future of technology for the world. With the rise of AI and its potential to transform key sectors of the Indian economy, we need to elevate our GAPP capabilities,” White stated in the email dated February 25.
Key Changes in Google’s India Public Policy Structure
- New Vice President-Level Role: Google is creating a VP-level position to lead its government affairs and public policy function in India. The new leader will report directly to Wilson White and oversee policy engagement at all levels.
- Restructured Reporting Hierarchy: All team members in India’s GAPP team will now report to the newly appointed leader, ensuring a cohesive “One Google” approach to government engagement.
- Hiring for Key Positions: Google is recruiting director-level executives and public policy professionals to focus on AI, competition, privacy, and security.
- Role Eliminations & Expansions: While some existing roles are being eliminated, new positions are being created to strengthen Google Cloud and YouTube policy initiatives.
- Interim Leadership: Iarla Flynn will continue to serve as the interim lead for the public policy function in India until a permanent appointment is made.
Strategic Focus on AI and Digital Infrastructure
Google’s restructuring is driven by India’s increasing focus on AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. The company has been deepening its AI investments in India, working closely with state governments, research institutions, and local startups.
“We are deeply committed to being India’s partner on its digital transformation journey. Our investments in AI infrastructure, research, and talent in India, along with our collaborations with governments and new campus facilities, highlight our long-term commitment,” the email stated.
Unlike other global markets, Google’s India policy team will operate under a unique structure tailored specifically for India’s regulatory and business environment.
Regulatory and Antitrust Challenges in India
Google’s expansion in India has been accompanied by increasing regulatory scrutiny. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has initiated antitrust investigations against Google for:
- Alleged abuse of dominance in the Android ecosystem
- Play Store’s restrictive policies for app developers
- Smart television operating system practices
- News aggregation and content distribution business models
The restructuring of Google’s government affairs team is seen as a strategic response to these regulatory challenges. By strengthening its policy advocacy capabilities, Google aims to navigate India’s evolving digital regulations more effectively.
Leadership Changes at Google India
The restructuring also follows a major leadership transition at Google India. In December 2024, Preeti Lobana was appointed as the new Country Manager and Vice President for India operations, succeeding Sanjay Gupta, who was promoted as President of Google Asia Pacific.
With India becoming a critical battleground for Big Tech companies, Google’s policy restructuring signals its intent to engage proactively with policymakers and regulators while expanding its footprint in AI, Cloud, and digital services.
