Global Mergers, Local Ripples: Consolidations reshape India's ad land as clients seek 'single-window' partners

We will continue acquisition-led strategy in India: Havas Chairman and CEO Yannick Bolloré

Consolidation or Collision? How ad land’s mergers create crisis of overlapping of leadership roles

Meta’s policy shift could spark 30% surge in RMG ad spending in India

Digital Entertainment Summit 2025 to debut in Delhi as India stakes its claim on the future of global media

Nobody’s Perfect Retro Porsche Ad

In Conversation With Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard

Shahid Kapoor And Varun Ganjoo Speaks On PokerBaazi's Campaign

In conversation with IHCL’s Puneet Chhatwal & GroupM’s Kate Scott-Dawkins

Why are brands including e-sports in their sports marketing itinerary?

Storyboard18 x The English Nut: How to pronounce these 10 brand names

Experts' Take On Reinvention Of Ad Campaigns Through Technology

Experts Speak On Key Emerging Trends In Cannes Lions Entries

Leaders of the future have to be outstanding human beings: Nestle MD

In conversation with VMLY&R’s Hari Ramanathan

“Burnout often comes when we forget to set boundaries between work and personal life,” stated Shakti Upadhyay, Head - marketing and public relations, Kia India, in a conversation with Storyboard18. 

Upadhyay advises that one should build a routine which helps one reset as marketing is a very vibrant and fast-paced job.

 
“It’s important to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. As leaders, we must be role-models of balance — taking breaks, recharging creatively, and making the space to think — because in marketing, fresh ideas don’t come from a tired mind,” he added.


Can you list five of your favourite quotes on marketing and leadership?


It’s not about the product you sell, but the story you tell — Seth Godin, American author and marketing expert.


The best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing — Tom Fishburne, cartoonist.


The only way to win at marketing is to outsmart, not outspend — Doug Hal Curtis, former Creative Director, Wieden + Kennedy, an ad agency.


A brand is no longer what we tell the consumer it is — it is what consumers tell each other it is — Scott Cook, American businessman.


Make it simple. Make it memorable. Make it inviting to look at — Leo Burnett, late American advertising executive.


What kind of marketing-related content do you look at?


I like to explore great brand campaigns, not just in automotive, but across categories. I also follow marketing experts like Seth Godin and Scott Galloway to stay sharp on branding and consumer trends.


I often find inspiration in unexpected places, from viral content to how new digital experiences engage users. Good marketing is everywhere, if one pays attention.


Who are your favourite creators and what draws them to you?


I’m drawn to creators and thinkers who inspire bold brand building and deep consumer connection. I follow David Aaker, an American consultant, for timeless insights on building strong, differentiated brands; Galloway, American orator and academic, for sharp takes on brand relevance in today’s digital economy; and Rory Sutherland for his perspective on creativity and behavioural science in marketing. 


I also admire creators like Casey Neistat, American YouTuber who shows the power of authentic storytelling. What draws me to them is their ability to stay human, creative, and culturally connected.


What were the last few videos you viewed on any platform?


Recently, I watched a few global EV brand films. It’s always interesting to see how different markets are shaping the narrative around electric mobility, which is very relevant for us at Kia India today. I also viewed some great product storytelling from fashion and tech brands — there’s a lot to learn from how they create aspiration and cultural relevance.


I also stay curious about what’s trending in short-form content — reels, YouTube Shorts, influencer-driven storytelling — because that’s where today’s consumer attention is shifting. 


What is your fitness / wellness routine?


With our Kia India workday starting early, I like to keep my fitness routine simple and consistent. I stick to my regular morning walks. It gives me time to clear my head and think creatively before the day begins. 


I find that some of my best ideas come during those walks. Beyond that, I try to stay mindful about my wellbeing, making sure I get enough rest, eat balanced meals, and stay disconnected from screens whenever I can. In a fast-paced role like ours, managing energy is just as important as managing time.

 
What’s your routine weekend like? 


My weekends are about balancing recharge and inspiration. I start the morning with a long walk — it’s a routine that helps me reflect and reset. I also like to catch up on reading, whether it’s on marketing trends, design thinking, or brand stories from across industries. A good part of my weekend is spent with family and friends.

 
My favourite weekend is one where I can get outdoors, explore new spaces or experiences, and soak in some creative inspiration — whether through films, art, or simply observing how brands connect with people in the real world. It’s about staying curious, even when off the clock.


What have you been watching on weekends?


I like to keep my weekend viewing a mix of inspiration and relaxation. I’ve been watching some well-crafted global brand films and documentaries. They always offer new ways of thinking about storytelling and design. I also enjoy watching travel and culture-based content, which often sparks ideas on how brands can connect emotionally. And I unwind with a good series or movie in order to refresh my mind for the week ahead.


Any work or life hack you swear by?


One simple hack I swear by is making space for thinking — not just doing. In a fast-paced role, it’s easy to get caught in the day-to-day routine, but some of the best ideas come when you step back. For me, that’s during my morning walks or when I block quiet time in the week. Another is writing things down — whether it’s a thought, a campaign idea, or a quick note. It helps me think clearer and stay focussed on what matters.

 
What are you reading? Any recommendations?


I try to read across genres to keep my thinking fresh. Recently, I’ve been reading ‘Building Strong Brands’ by David Aaker — it’s a classic, and very relevant as we evolve the Kia brand in India.

I’m also enjoying ‘Alchemy’ by Rory Sutherland. It offers great insights into creativity and consumer behaviour, which are critical for modern marketing. Beyond that, I dip into biographies or books on culture and design. They help spark ideas beyond the usual marketing playbook.


What is your advice to avoid personal and professional burnout?


Burnout often comes when we forget to create boundaries between our work and personal lives. My advice is to consciously build a routine that helps you reset. For me, it’s my morning walk, reading, and making time for family and friends.

 
It’s also important to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. As leaders, we must be role-models of balance — taking breaks, recharging creatively, and making the space to think — because in marketing, fresh ideas don’t come from a tired mind.


A piece of advice you would like to share with GenZ?


Stay curious and stay authentic. Gen Z has incredible access to information and platforms. Use that to learn constantly, but don’t lose your unique voice in the process. In marketing and in life, authenticity and creativity matter more than ever. The world doesn’t need another copy — it needs what only you can bring.


What's the best advice you got or heard in life?


One of the best pieces of advice I received from my boss in my last company was simple but powerful: 'Don’t try to do everything yourself. Build a strong team, trust them, and give them the space to shine.' 


It has stayed with me. In leadership, especially in a fast-moving brand like Kia India, you can’t succeed without empowering others. Delegation isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about helping your team grow, building collective ownership, and creating an environment where ideas can flourish. The more you trust and enable your people, the more they surprise you, and that’s when real brand magic happens.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/enjoy-what-you-do-and-who-you-work-with-lance-bennett-mercedes-benz-india-40463.htm">You will never win by focusing on the rearview mirror: Lance Bennett, Mercedes-Benz India</a>

Rest, Recharge, Reinvent: Kia India’s Shakti Upadhyay on the power of pause

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited announced appointment of Kirti Ganorkar as the Managing Director with effect from 1 September 2025. Ganorkar will succeed  Dilip Shanghvi, the pharma giant informed the stock exchanges on Friday. However, Shanghvi will continue to remain the Executive Chairman of the Sun Pharma board. He will focus on providing insights towards shaping company’s long-term strategy.


Ganorkar has been heading India Business at Sun Pharma since June 2019. Previously, he held various leadership roles across business development, marketing, Merger and Acquisition (M&A), new product introduction, project management, IP and litigation at Sun Pharma. 

Dilip Shanghvi, Chairman & Managing Director of Sun Pharma said, “Kirti has consistently demonstrated effective leadership managing diverse roles at Sun. I have a firm belief in his ability to lead the company into its next phase of growth and extend my best wishes for his success. Kirti’s elevation showcases our strong in-house talent pool, ensuring continuity of Sun’s core value systems.”

Ganorkar played a key role in driving Sun Pharma’s foray into specialty by securing rights for innovative products such as Ilumya. According to the company, Ganorkar  led Sun Pharma’s entry into Japan and laid initial groundwork for the company’s entry into Europe. A chemical engineer and MBA, Ganorkar joined Sun Pharma in 1996.

"It has been a profoundly rewarding journey to participate in the company’s transformation into a leading global pharmaceutical enterprise. Sun Pharma is at an exciting juncture with all its businesses well-positioned for growth," Ganorkar, Managing Director (Designate) of Sun Pharma stated.

Meanwhile, Abhay Gandhi – President & CEO, North America, has decided to pursue his interests outside Sun Pharma. Richard (“Rick”) Ascroft will be joining as CEO – North America, succeeding Gandhi. 

Rick is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive with more than three decades of experience spanning commercial operations, market access, medical affairs, and corporate affairs across the US and global markets. Recently, he served as Senior Vice President and Business Unit Head of US Plasma-Derived Therapies at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and was a member of both the US and global executive leadership teams.

Aalok Shanghvi – Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, has been additionally entrusted with the responsibility for the North America business wherein Rick will report to Aalok.

Sun Pharma appoints Kirti Ganorkar as the Managing Director

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is going full throttle on artificial intelligence—and he’s taking the hiring process into his own hands. According to a Bloomberg report, Zuckerberg is personally building a new elite AI team with a bold mission: to develop “superintelligence,” AI systems that could eventually surpass human reasoning.

And for the right talent, the pay is reportedly extraordinary—possibly reaching nine figures, positioning it as one of the most lucrative and highest paid AI jobs in the world.

The urgency behind this new push stems from Zuckerberg’s dissatisfaction with Meta’s AI progress so far, particularly the development of Llama 4, the company’s latest large language model. While Meta has made strides in deploying AI across its ecosystem—from Facebook and WhatsApp to Ray-Ban smart glasses—it continues to trail rivals like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google in the race for true AI dominance.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/scale-ais-alexandr-wang-to-join-metas-superintelligence-mission-jason-dorege-to-be-interim-ceo-of-startup-70176.htm">Read More: Scale AI's Alexandr Wang to join Meta's superintelligence mission; Jason Dorege to be interim CEO of startup</a>

Zuckerberg has responded by going hands-on. He’s held direct meetings with top AI researchers at his homes in California and has reorganized Meta’s Menlo Park headquarters to house the new AI unit just steps from his own office. He plans to build a 50-member team of world-class AI researchers and engineers to drive Meta’s superintelligence ambitions forward.

One major figure reportedly involved is Alexandr Wang, CEO of Scale AI, a data labeling firm that may receive billions in investment from Meta to accelerate its AI efforts.

Funding for the initiative will come from Meta’s robust advertising business, insiders say, giving Zuckerberg the financial firepower to compete in what’s become a global AI arms race.

With companies like Google DeepMind, Apple, Microsoft, and Elon Musk’s xAI also gunning for breakthroughs in artificial general intelligence (AGI), Zuckerberg is betting Meta can distinguish itself by continuing to open-source its Llama models—similar to what Android did for mobile. It’s a strategic move designed to win developer mindshare and encourage widespread adoption.

Whether Meta’s all-in gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Zuckerberg wants Meta not just in the AI race—but at the front of it.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/with-ai-push-alphabet-amazon-and-meta-together-to-acquire-54-7-of-global-ad-market-warc-70220.htm">Read More: With AI push, Alphabet, Amazon and Meta together to acquire 54.7% of global ad market: WARC</a>

Mark Zuckerberg’s AI gambit: Superintelligence, nine-figure salaries, and a team of 50

As Mark Zuckerberg bolsters his Artificial Intelligence mission by acquiring a 49% stake in data labeling startup Scale AI, founder Alexandr Wang has departed from his role as the CEO of the company. Wang will be joining the Superintelligence mission of Meta.

In an internal memo to employees, Wang said that a large social networking company is pumping $14.3 billion into Scale AI, therefore, he is departing from his role as CEO.

"As you’ve probably gathered from recent news, opportunities of this magnitude often come at a cost. In this instance, that cost is my departure. It has been the absolute greatest pleasure of my life to serve as your CEO," Wang told employees in an internal memo.

Some employees of Scale AI will also work for Meta as part of the agreement, Wang added. Currently, the company has a team of 1,500 people.

Following this, Scale AI's chief strategy officer Jason Dorege will step in as interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the startup.

	
<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/metas-zuckerberg-aims-to-revolutionize-ai-with-superintelligence-group-to-hire-50-experts-69638.htm">Meta’s Zuckerberg aims to revolutionize AI with ‘Superintelligence group’, to hire 50 experts</a>

Previously, Dorege has played a significant role in businesses like Uber Eats and AXON. He is working closely with Scale AI's board to hire strong Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to bolster engineering teams, Wang said.

According to a Reuters report, the deal value of Meta-Scale AI is estimated to be $29 billion. Zuckerberg has claimed several times that AI is his top priority for 2025 amid fierce competition from OpenAI and Google parent Alphabet.

Zuckerberg has traditionally placed his company's employees into high-ranking positions, but this time he has delegated the duty to Wang to oversee Meta's superintelligence efforts. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/ai-vs-agencies-mark-zuckerbergs-vision-of-ad-disruption-sparks-debate-in-india-65474.htm">AI vs. Agencies: Mark Zuckerberg's vision of ad disruption sparks debate in India</a>

"We will deepen the work we do together producing data for AI models and Alexandr Wang will join Meta to work on our superintelligence efforts," Meta said in a statement.

The deal would rank Meta's second-largest-ever deal after its $19 billion buyout of WhatsApp.

'Alexandr Wang and his Scale AI venture' 

Wang, born in Los Alamos, New Mexico, to Chinese immigrant physicists, co-founded Scale AI in 2016. The MIT dropped out and earned plaudits as one of Silicon Valley's most promising entrepreneurs. Wang cultivated relationships with top tech executives such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and achieved billionaire status in his 20s.

Meanwhile, Scale AI provides vast amounts of accurately labeled data, pivotal for training AI software like ChatGPT. The company's valuation was nearly $14 billion in May 2024 following receiving funding from Nvidia and Amazon.

Scale AI's Alexandr Wang to join Meta's superintelligence mission; Jason Dorege to be interim CEO of startup

Vijay Mallya, the embattled former liquor baron and founder of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, has once again stoked controversy over the long-running default saga.

In a recent podcast interview with Raj Shamani, Mallya claimed that Indian banks have recovered more than double the original debt owed by him - claims strongly contested by the lenders involved, as per media reports.

"The government of India, Ministry of Finance, has published a report, their annual report, in which they have acknowledged ₹14,100 crore recovered from me. The Union Finance Ministry has confirmed in writing that banks have recovered ₹14,100 crore from me against a DRT (debt recovery tribunal) judgment debt of ₹6,203 crore. Why the blatant discrimination?" Mallya questioned in the podcast interview.

The flamboyant businessman also rejected the popular portrayal of him as a "fugitive", arguing, "“I didn’t run away; I flew out of India on a pre-scheduled visit… I didn’t return for reasons I consider valid. But where is the ‘chor’ coming from?”

The Kingfisher Airlines account was declared a non-performing asset in December 2011. In June 2013, the DRT ruled that Mallya and his airline owed Rs 6,203.35 crore in principal and interest at 11.5%. Since then, interest and penalties have caused the dues to balloon to nearly Rs 17,800 crore, according to banking sources, the report added.

While the Ministry of Finance's FY25 annual report does note that assets worth Rs 14,131.6 crore have been attached and restored to banks in connection with the case, bank executives caution that the actual realised value of these recoveries is significantly lower - around Rs 10,800 crore.

A breakdown of these recoveries include:

- Kingfisher House, Goa - Rs 172 crore (2017)

- Kingfisher House, Mumbai - Rs 52.5 crore (2021)

- Shared in United Breweries and other assets

Banking executives, speaking on condition of anonymity, maintain that approximately Rs 6,900 crore is still owed and that Mallya's portrayal of the Rs 14,100 crore figure as "overpayment" is misleading. The Rs 14,100 crore reflects attached assets, not cash recovered or realised value, the report added.

Mallya, continues to insist that he was always willing to settle the dues in good faith. “Between 2012 and 2015, I made four different settlement offers to the banks... But the banks refused. I believe they were under political pressure to take a hard stance rather than work out a practical solution,” he said. “I gave my personal guarantee… Koyi chor kabhi apna personal guarantee deta hai kya?” Mallya added.

In February 2025, Mallya filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court seeking a full accounting of recoveries and an interim stay on further recovery actions. The court has issued notices to 10 banks, including SBI and Punjab National Bank.

Meanwhile, Mallya's legal battle in the UK continues to go against him. In April 2025 the UK High Court upheld a bankruptcy order tied to his debt owed to the SBI-led banking consortium. Mallya had argued that sufficient recovery had already been made, but the UK court dismissed his appeal, the report added.

Where is the 'chori?' Vijay Mallya claims overpayment, but banks say otherwise

The proposed national policies on e-commerce and retail trade are currently undergoing discussions, as both policies are interconnected and require updates to match industry developments, said Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, as per a PTI report.

Recognising the dynamic nature of the e-commerce sector, Goyal noted, "We did come out with certain ideas, but I think we will have to revise the policy to make it more contemporary, and it is under discussion." He further emphasized that the retail trade policy was also under active consideration due to its close linkage with e-commerce.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/piyush-goyal-calls-for-tougher-ai-rules-to-protect-copyright-and-creativity-56125.htm">Piyush Goyal calls for tougher AI rules to protect copyright and creativity</a>

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has already reached out to the National Traders' Welfare Board to gather suggestions aimed at framing a comprehensive national retail trade policy, the report added.

An earlier draft retail trade policy formulated in 2021 aimed at harmoniously developing all formats within the retail sector, enhancing ease of doing business, facilitating quick access to affordable credit, and promoting modernisation and digitisation in retail operations.

Moreover, two prior draft versions of the national e-commerce policy were introduced by the ministry. The first was in 2019, which outlined measures addressing data handling, infrastructure development, marketplace regulations, domestic digital economy stimulation, and promoting exports via e-commerce, the report added.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/indias-e-commerce-market-to-touch-550-billion-by-2035-report-57269.htm">India's e-commerce market to touch $550 billion by 2035: Report</a>

E-commerce, retail trade policies under discussions, says Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal

E-commerce firm Meesho, which is planning to get listed on the Indian stock market, has converted itself into to public entity from Private Ltd. In April this year, Meesho changed its legal name from Fashnear Technologies Private Limited to Meesho Private Limited ahead of the planned initial public offering (IPO). And now, the Bengaluru-based company has converted from 'private limited' to 'public limited', The Economic Times reported.

Additionally, Meesho is also in the process of flipping back its domicile from the US to India. The company has applied to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for the same.

Meesho, which is backed by investors SoftBank, Prosus, and Tiger Global, has appointed Kotak Mahindra Capital, Citi, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley as merchant bankers for its public issue.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/meesho-expands-personal-care-portfolio-with-pg-hul-and-himalaya-partnerships-69019.htm">Meesho expands personal care portfolio with P&G, HUL, and Himalaya partnerships</a>

Last week, the company's board approved a plan to allot Rs 411 crore bonus shares to existing shareholders.

Founded in 2015 by IIT Delhi alumni Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, Meesho has emerged as India’s third-largest e-commerce platform by Gross Merchandise Value (GMV). Financially, Meesho has made strong strides toward profitability. The company slashed its net loss by 82% to Rs 304.9 crore in FY24, down from Rs 1,675 crore in FY23. Operating revenue also surged by 32.8% year-on-year to Rs 7,614.9 crore, underlining a robust growth trajectory ahead of its public listing. The company generated operating cash flow of Rs 232 crore for the year, driven by rising consumption and the expanding adoption of e-commerce, particularly in Tier 2 and smaller towns.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/meesho-rebrands-ahead-of-ipo-drops-fashnear-to-strengthen-market-identity-63680.htm">Meesho to rename ahead of IPO; plans to drop ‘Fashnear’</a>

The Gen Z demographic has become a significant driver of growth for the ecommerce platform, now accounting for one-third of its total user base. This trend signals a broader shift towards value-conscious, high-quality products, particularly in smaller towns, reshaping India’s e-commerce landscape.

Meesho converts to public entity ahead of IPO

Shantanu Mitra, CEO and Managing Director of SMFG India Credit, has announced his intention to step down at the end of this month, according to sources familiar with the matter, as per media reports.

Mitra informed the board about his decision earlier in June, marking an early departure ahead of his term originally scheduled to conclude in September this year.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/havas-media-india-announces-senior-leadership-elevations-69942.htm">Havas Media India elevates Ramsai Panchapakesan, Binu Thomas and Manish Sharma</a>

Mitra's resignation comes shortly after Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG), the parent company of SMFG India Credit, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a significant stake in Yes Bank for Rs 13,483 crore. The deal, signed in May, is currently awaiting approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

During FY25, SMFG notably increased its equity investment in SMFG India Credit by Rs 4,300 crore-Rs 1,300 crore in April 2024 and Rs 3,000 crore in December 2024 - as part of its broader strategic expansion in India's financial services landscape, the report added.

Mitra has been associated with the company in two significant stints. Initially joining SMFG India Credit as the Group Chief Risk Officer in 2010, he was elevated to CEO in 2011, serving until 2017. He re-joined the company in 2021 for a second tenure that will conclude with his imminent departure.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/former-times-group-executive-partha-sinha-joins-mckinsey-as-senior-advisor-69332.htm">Former Times Group executive Partha Sinha joins McKinsey as Senior Advisor</a>

SMFG India Credit CEO & MD Shantanu Mitra to step down

Havas Media India has announced senior leadership elevations within its investment and business verticals.


Ramsai Panchapakesan has been elevated to president – investments and partnerships. With over 28 years of experience in media, Panchapakesan has been associated with Havas Media India since July 2024, playing a key role in driving the integrated investment and trading strategy and scaling client partnerships across the network.


Binu Thomas has been elevated to managing partner – investments and buying. Thomas, who has been with Havas Media for nearly 20 years, brings vast experience in investment strategy, media buying, and delivering performance-led outcomes for clients across categories.


Manish Sharma has been promoted to president – arena India (part of Havas Media Network India). Having spent over nine years at Havas Media, Sharma has been instrumental in building Arena India’s business footprint with a strong focus on content partnerships, client engagement, and growth expansion across emerging segments. Arena India, part of Havas Media Network India, has been scaling up its operations and mandate over the past year, driving growth for clients such as Kia, Realme, Zupee, Dalmia Cement, Bumble, and Kajaria Tiles.


Mohit Joshi, chief executive officer, Havas Media Network India, said, “Ramsai, Binu, and Manish have been instrumental in driving our investment and business strategy, unlocking consistent growth for our clients and the network. Their expertise, leadership, and commitment to innovation continue to shape the success story of Havas Media. I am confident that in their new roles, they will further accelerate our progress and deepen our market leadership.”


Uday Mohan, chief operating officer, Havas Media India, added, “These well-deserved elevations reflect the strength and depth of our leadership team. Ramsai and Binu have been the backbone of our investment function, while Manish has led Arena India with great vision and execution. Their contributions embody the Havas ethos of Meaningful Media, and I look forward to collaborating closely with them as we steer the next phase of growth.”
The elevations are in line with Havas Media’s continued focus on empowering internal talent and scaling leadership across core and emerging verticals.


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Havas Media India elevates Ramsai Panchapakesan, Binu Thomas and Manish Sharma

Shivnath Thukral, Vice President of Public Policy at Meta India, has announced his departure from the company after a notable tenure of more than seven years. Thukral described the decision as difficult but timely, expressing confidence in the strength of the policy team he leaves behind.

“It is not an easy decision to make,” Thukral said, “but I feel very confident that our policy engagement with stakeholders is at a credible and constructive juncture… I do feel it is a good time to let the engine and the team work on their own.”

During his time at Meta, Thukral played a central role in shaping the company’s public policy narrative in India, a critical market for the tech giant. He was instrumental in building internal systems, engaging with stakeholders across government and industry and steering the company through a complex regulatory environment.

Thukral expressed gratitude to both his team and a host of prominent Meta leaders, including Joel Kaplan, Ajit Mohan, Sandeep Bhushan, Rishi Raj Gupta and Ankhi Das, among others. He also acknowledged the contributions of team members Natasha Jog, Sunil Abraham, and Rishabh Dara.

Thukral said he plans to take a short break to focus on health, running, and family. He hinted at a return soon, teasing that his next chapter may involve “taking India to the world.” Thukral’s departure comes at a time when Big Tech continues to face regulatory scrutiny in India, with data governance, digital competition and content moderation remaining top priorities for policymakers. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/googles-public-policy-shake-up-are-big-techs-struggling-to-retain-policy-heads-in-india-56879.htm">Read more: Google’s Public Policy Shake-up: Are big techs struggling to retain policy heads in India?</a>

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