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Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, has announced the appointment of Arun Srinivas as the Head of its India operations, effective July 1, 2025. This strategic move signifies Meta's continued commitment to the Indian market and its ambition to further strengthen its presence in the region. Srinivas, a seasoned marketing veteran, will be replacing Sandhya Devanathan, who is transitioning to an expanded role overseeing both India and South Asia. This organizational shift highlights the growing importance of the South Asian market for Meta and the company's desire to consolidate its leadership position in this dynamic region. Srinivas's extensive experience in the industry, coupled with his proven track record at Meta, makes him a suitable candidate to lead the company's India operations. He will be responsible for aligning the organization's business, innovation, and revenue priorities to effectively serve partners and clients while contributing to the long-term growth of Meta's business and commitment to India. His deep understanding of the Indian market, coupled with his expertise in digital advertising and marketing, will be instrumental in driving Meta's strategic initiatives in the country. The appointment of Srinivas comes at a crucial time for Meta, as the company faces increasing competition from other social media platforms and navigates the evolving regulatory landscape in India. The Indian market is a key growth driver for Meta, with a large and rapidly expanding user base. Srinivas will be tasked with further penetrating this market, expanding Meta's reach, and driving revenue growth. He will also be responsible for fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, industry partners, and advertisers. His ability to build consensus and navigate complex situations will be critical to his success in this role. In addition to his external responsibilities, Srinivas will also play a vital role in nurturing and developing Meta's internal talent in India. He will be responsible for creating a positive and inclusive work environment that attracts and retains top talent. His leadership style, characterized by collaboration and empowerment, will be essential in fostering a high-performing team that is aligned with Meta's strategic objectives. The transition from Devanathan to Srinivas is expected to be seamless, as Srinivas will report directly to Devanathan in her expanded role. This reporting structure will ensure continuity and facilitate the smooth implementation of Meta's strategic initiatives in India and South Asia. Devanathan's experience in leading Meta's India operations will be invaluable in guiding Srinivas in his new role. Her insights into the Indian market and her relationships with key stakeholders will provide him with a strong foundation upon which to build. The appointment of Srinivas is a clear indication of Meta's commitment to the Indian market and its belief in the country's long-term growth potential. The company recognizes the importance of India as a strategic market and is investing heavily in its operations in the country. Srinivas's appointment is a testament to Meta's commitment to hiring top talent and its belief in the power of local leadership. His deep understanding of the Indian market, coupled with his extensive experience in the industry, makes him a suitable candidate to lead Meta's India operations. He is expected to play a pivotal role in driving Meta's growth in India and further strengthening its position as a leading social media platform in the country. The challenges facing Meta in India are significant, including navigating the complex regulatory landscape, addressing concerns about data privacy and security, and competing with other social media platforms for market share. Srinivas will need to be adept at navigating these challenges and developing innovative solutions to overcome them. His ability to think strategically, adapt to changing circumstances, and build strong relationships will be critical to his success in this role. The future of Meta in India depends on its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the Indian market and to build strong relationships with key stakeholders. Srinivas's appointment is a positive step in this direction and signals Meta's commitment to long-term growth in India. His leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of Meta in India and ensuring that the company continues to play a significant role in the country's digital ecosystem.
Arun Srinivas brings to the table a wealth of experience accumulated over decades in various leadership roles across diverse industries. Prior to his current role as Director and Head of Ads Business in India at Meta, he held the position of Director and Head of Meta's Global Business Group from September 2020 to September 2022. This experience provided him with a deep understanding of Meta's global operations and its strategic priorities. Before joining Meta, Srinivas had a distinguished career spanning several prominent companies. He began his professional journey at Reebok in 1996 as a Product Manager, gaining valuable experience in product development and marketing. After a five-year stint at Reebok, he transitioned to Unilever, where he spent over 15 years, rising through the ranks to become the Vice President of Foods South Asia. His tenure at Unilever provided him with extensive experience in sales, marketing, and general management. In 2017, Srinivas joined WestBridge Capital Partners, a Bengaluru-based company, as an Operating Advisor. This role allowed him to gain insights into the venture capital and private equity landscape. In 2019, he joined Ola as their Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Global CMO, further expanding his leadership experience in the technology sector. Srinivas's diverse experience across different industries and functions makes him a well-rounded leader with a broad perspective. His ability to understand and navigate complex business challenges will be invaluable in his new role as the Head of Meta's India operations. His experience in marketing, sales, operations, and general management will enable him to effectively lead Meta's diverse team in India and drive the company's strategic initiatives. The Indian market is unique and presents its own set of challenges and opportunities. Srinivas's deep understanding of the Indian consumer and his experience in navigating the Indian business environment will be critical to his success. He will need to be able to adapt Meta's global strategies to the local context and develop innovative solutions to meet the specific needs of the Indian market. His experience in working with Indian companies such as Unilever and Ola will provide him with valuable insights into the Indian business culture and the nuances of the Indian market. He will also need to be able to build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, industry partners, and advertisers. His ability to communicate effectively and build trust will be essential in fostering these relationships. The digital landscape in India is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and platforms emerging all the time. Srinivas will need to stay ahead of the curve and adapt Meta's strategies to the changing landscape. He will need to be able to identify new opportunities for growth and develop innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the Indian consumer. His experience in working with cutting-edge technologies such as AI, Reels, and Messaging will be particularly valuable in this regard. The future of Meta in India is bright, and Srinivas is well-positioned to lead the company to further success. His experience, leadership skills, and understanding of the Indian market make him a suitable candidate to take on this important role. He is expected to play a pivotal role in driving Meta's growth in India and further strengthening its position as a leading social media platform in the country.
Arun Srinivas's educational background provides a solid foundation for his professional achievements. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Madras in 1993, demonstrating his aptitude for scientific and analytical thinking. This foundation was further strengthened by his completion of a PGDM in Marketing from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta in 1996. IIM Calcutta is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and its focus on developing future business leaders. The PGDM program provided Srinivas with a comprehensive understanding of marketing principles and practices. He gained valuable skills in areas such as market research, consumer behavior, brand management, and advertising. His education at IIM Calcutta equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the competitive world of business. The combination of his scientific background and his marketing expertise has allowed him to approach business challenges with a unique perspective. He is able to analyze data, identify trends, and develop innovative solutions to meet the needs of the market. His education has also instilled in him a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. He is known for his attention to detail and his ability to deliver results. His educational background has played a significant role in shaping his leadership style. He is a strong believer in the importance of continuous learning and development. He encourages his team members to pursue their own educational goals and provides them with opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. His commitment to education extends beyond his own team. He is also actively involved in supporting educational initiatives in the community. He believes that education is the key to unlocking potential and creating a better future for all. Srinivas's educational background is a valuable asset that he brings to his new role as the Head of Meta's India operations. His knowledge of marketing, his analytical skills, and his commitment to continuous learning will be instrumental in driving Meta's growth in India. He is a role model for aspiring business leaders and a testament to the power of education. His success is an inspiration to others and demonstrates the importance of investing in education. As the Head of Meta's India operations, Srinivas will be responsible for leading a diverse team of professionals. He will need to be able to effectively communicate his vision, motivate his team, and build a strong sense of camaraderie. His educational background has prepared him well for these challenges. He has learned how to work effectively in teams, how to communicate clearly and concisely, and how to build consensus. His ability to build strong relationships will be essential in his new role. He will need to be able to build trust with his team members, his colleagues, and his stakeholders. His educational background has instilled in him a strong sense of ethics and integrity. He is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. He believes that ethical behavior is essential for building trust and maintaining long-term relationships. Srinivas's educational background is a testament to his commitment to learning and his desire to make a difference in the world. He is a leader who inspires others to reach their full potential and who is dedicated to making a positive impact on society.
Source: Who is Arun Srinivas? Meta Platforms promotes marketing veteran to India Head role effective 1 July