OpenAI has announced the appointment of Kiran Mani, previously the CEO of JioStar, as the Managing Director for its Asia-Pacific operations.
According to a Bloomberg report, Mani will operate from OpenAI's headquarters in Singapore and will report directly to CFO Jason Kwon.
Mani is set to begin his new role in June after stepping down from his position at JioStar.
With over 20 years of experience in operations and strategy, Mani joined JioStar in 2023 to oversee digital platforms including JioHotstar and Cricinfo.
His prior experience includes significant roles at Microsoft, Google, and IBM. Notably, he spent 13 years at Google, where he held various leadership positions, including managing sales in India and overseeing operations in Asia Pacific and Japan.
This development aligns with OpenAI's strategy to expand its global footprint. Recently, the company announced plans to nearly double its workforce from 4,500 to about 8,000 employees.
The Asia-Pacific region is crucial for OpenAI, which is intensifying its efforts in India. At the 'India AI Impact Summit 2026' last month, OpenAI revealed plans to establish new offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru by the end of 2026.
Additionally, OpenAI launched the 'OpenAI for India' initiative, highlighting that India boasts over 10 million weekly ChatGPT users across various demographics.
OpenAI also formed a strategic partnership with the Tata Group to develop AI infrastructure in India, starting with a 100 MW project that could expand to 1 GW. Furthermore, a collaboration with JioHotstar aims to introduce an in-stream commerce feature to enhance the viewing experience.
Before the Summit, OpenAI partnered with top Indian educational institutions, including IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad, to implement ChatGPT Edu and structured AI training programs across campuses.
