In a significant leadership shuffle, global video streaming giant YouTube has announced the appointment of Gunjan Soni as its new Country Managing Director for India.
With a robust professional background spanning over two decades across diverse sectors including business, technology, marketing, and e-commerce, Soni is poised to spearhead YouTube’s growth and innovation strategies within the crucial Indian market.
This appointment comes at a pivotal time for YouTube in India, a nation brimming with creative talent and immense digital potential. Soni steps into this role following the departure of Ishan Chatterjee, who transitioned to JioCinema in October 2024. Her mandate will be to further cultivate the vibrant creator ecosystem, unlock novel opportunities for engagement, and significantly contribute to India’s ongoing digital transformation.
Gunjan Soni brings a wealth of experience to YouTube India. Prior to this role, she served as the Group CEO of ZALORA, a leading online fashion platform in Southeast Asia, for six successful years based in Singapore. During her tenure at ZALORA, Soni was instrumental in introducing new business models and product categories, driving a culture of innovation, and significantly enhancing the user experience through personalized features and a rewarding loyalty program.
Before her international stint, Soni held key leadership positions within the Indian media and e-commerce landscape. She served as the Executive Vice President at Star India and as the Chief Marketing Officer at Myntra, demonstrating a deep understanding of the local market dynamics and consumer behavior. Earlier in her career, Soni was a Partner at McKinsey & Company, where she honed her strategic acumen within the Consumer and Marketing practice. Her expertise extends beyond operational roles, as she currently serves on the board of CBRE Group, a Fortune 500 company.
Gautam Anand, Vice President for YouTube APAC, expressed his enthusiasm for Soni’s appointment, emphasizing her profound understanding of India’s creator economy and the burgeoning video commerce sector. He believes that her leadership will be instrumental in accelerating the growth of creators, unlocking new avenues for user engagement, and making meaningful contributions to India’s digital journey.
On her appointment, Gunjan Soni conveyed her excitement about joining the YouTube team in India. She acknowledged the platform’s significant role in empowering creators and fostering connections across communities nationwide. Soni stated her eagerness to build upon this strong foundation, drive further innovation, and enhance YouTube’s role in enabling creators to share their stories and reach global audiences. She also expressed her commitment to collaborating with partners across the ecosystem.
India represents a dynamic and high-potential market for YouTube. The platform has become an integral part of the digital lives of millions of Indians, serving as a hub for entertainment, education, and commerce. With Soni’s extensive experience and strategic vision, YouTube is well-positioned to further strengthen its presence, empower local creators, and deepen its engagement with the diverse Indian audience. Her understanding of both the global and Indian digital landscapes will be crucial in navigating the unique opportunities and challenges of this market.
The appointment of Gunjan Soni marks an exciting new chapter for YouTube in India, promising a renewed focus on growth, innovation, and the continued empowerment of its thriving creator community.
Summary:
- YouTube has appointed Gunjan Soni as its new Country Managing Director for India.
- Soni brings over two decades of leadership experience in business, technology, marketing, and e-commerce.
- Prior to joining YouTube, she served as Group CEO of ZALORA and held key roles at Star India and Myntra.
- Her focus will be on driving YouTube’s growth, fostering the creator ecosystem, and enhancing user engagement in India.
- Industry leaders express confidence in Soni’s ability to lead YouTube India into its next phase of expansion.