In a notable development, Google’s Head of Public Policy in India, Sreenivasa Reddy, has resigned, marking the second departure from this pivotal role within two years. Reddy, who joined Google in September 2023, previously held significant positions at Microsoft and Apple in India. His tenure at Google encompassed a period of navigating multiple antitrust cases and expanding the company’s offerings, including payment applications and YouTube services.

Following Reddy’s departure, Google has appointed Iarla Flynn, the current Policy Head for Northern Europe, as the interim lead for India’s public policy initiatives. In an internal memo, the company emphasized, “India is a crucial market for Google, and we are deeply committed to its success.”

This resignation mirrors a similar occurrence in 2022 when Archana Gulati, a former Indian antitrust official, stepped down from the same position just five months after her appointment. Such frequent transitions in leadership highlight the complexities and challenges inherent in managing public policy for major technology firms in India.

India remains a vital market for Google, with the majority of smartphones in the country operating on its Android platform. The company is actively expanding its artificial intelligence offerings and has initiated local manufacturing of its Pixel phones. These endeavors underscore Google’s commitment to strengthening its presence and adapting to the dynamic technological landscape in India.

The departure of Sreenivasa Reddy underscores the ongoing challenges that global technology companies face in aligning their operations with India’s regulatory and market environment. As Google continues to navigate these complexities, the appointment of an interim policy lead reflects the company’s dedication to maintaining its strategic focus in the region.

Key Highlights:

• Sreenivasa Reddy, Google’s Head of Public Policy in India, has resigned, marking the second such departure in two years.
• Iarla Flynn, Policy Head for Northern Europe, has been appointed as the interim policy lead for India.
• India remains a critical market for Google, with ongoing expansions in AI offerings and local manufacturing initiatives.