Uber India Chief Singh Departs for OpenAI Leadership Role

NEW DELHI — Prabhjeet Singh, the President of Uber India and South Asia, has officially stepped down from his role after a transformative decade-long journey at the ride-hailing giant. In a move marking a significant shift in India’s corporate leadership landscape, OpenAI confirmed on Friday, June 26, 2026, that Singh will join the artificial intelligence firm in September as its Managing Director for India.

Singh’s departure comes just weeks after Uber Global CEO Dara Khosrowshahi visited India to reaffirm the company’s long-term commitment to the market, including the announcement of a new data center partnership with the Adani Group. While Uber has yet to name a successor for the regional presidency, the company emphasized that India remains one of its most vital global markets and a primary engine for long-term growth.

A Decade of Strategic Expansion

Joining Uber in August 2015 as General Manager and Head of Strategy, Singh rose through the ranks, eventually taking the helm as President of India and South Asia in July 2020. His leadership spanned one of the most volatile periods in the company’s history, including the catastrophic impact of COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and the subsequent resurgence of the urban mobility sector.

Under his guidance, Uber significantly diversified its footprint beyond traditional four-wheeler ride-hailing. The company successfully integrated auto-rickshaws, bike taxis, and shuttle services into its platform, while forging stronger ties with digital public infrastructure initiatives. Industry analysts credit Singh with navigating the competitive pressures from domestic players like Rapido and ensuring Uber remained a dominant force despite evolving regulatory landscapes and shifting consumer preferences.

Transitioning to Frontier Technology

In an internal email to employees reviewed by media outlets, Singh described his decision as a move toward "frontier technology." As the new Managing Director for OpenAI in India, Singh will report to Kiran Mani, the company’s APAC Managing Director. His mandate will include overseeing consumer growth, enterprise adoption, and local partnerships, as OpenAI seeks to solidify its presence in one of the world's fastest-growing AI markets.

OpenAI’s decision to appoint a seasoned veteran from India’s tech-mobility sector highlights the company's intent to localize its strategy. Singh is expected to play a critical role in supporting India’s broader AI ecosystem and facilitating the integration of advanced models into local businesses and government bodies.

Why It Matters

For Uber, this leadership transition occurs at a pivotal moment as the company battles intensifying competition and navigates a shifting pricing model toward subscription-based SaaS services. For the broader Indian tech sector, Singh’s move to a "frontier tech" firm underscores the growing talent migration toward artificial intelligence. It signals that global AI giants are increasingly prioritizing India as a hub for both consumer scale and enterprise-level AI deployment.

Key Facts at a Glance

• The Departure: Prabhjeet Singh leaves Uber after 11 years, having served as President of India and South Asia since 2020.

• The New Role: Singh will join OpenAI in September 2026 as Managing Director for India, reporting to APAC MD Kiran Mani.

• Succession Status: Uber has not yet announced a successor to the regional presidential role.

• Market Context: Despite the leadership change, Uber maintains it is committed to its upcoming data center project with the Adani Group and long-term growth in India.

FAQ

Who will replace Prabhjeet Singh at Uber India?

Uber has not yet named a successor, and the company has stated that leadership continuity remains a priority during this transition.

What will Singh’s primary focus be at OpenAI?

As Managing Director for India, he will be responsible for consumer growth, enterprise adoption, regulatory engagement, and building strategic partnerships within the Indian AI ecosystem.

Why is this move significant for the Indian tech industry?

It highlights the aggressive expansion of global AI firms in India and demonstrates the movement of high-level leadership from traditional tech-mobility firms to the burgeoning AI and frontier tech sector.

Source: Uber India Press Room, OpenAI Official Statements, The Economic Times, Deccan Herald