OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company behind ChatGPT, has hired Kiran Mani, the current CEO of JioStar, to lead its Asia Pacific operations. Mani will take on the newly created role of Managing Director in June, operating from OpenAI’s Singapore office and reporting to Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon.

JioStar, a joint venture between Reliance Industries Ltd. and The Walt Disney Co., is a streaming platform similar to Amazon Prime and Netflix. The service provides up to 300 million subscribers access to a wide range of domestic and international serialised content and films. Mani took over as CEO of JioStar in October 2023 and was previously the founding CEO of Jio Hotstar.

Mani’s professional career spans more than three decades in advertising, technology, and digital media. He began as an Account Planner at Ogilvy in New York from 1989 to 1999, working on campaigns for brands such as Ponds, Lakme, and Hindustan Unilever cosmetics. His early exposure to high-profile marketing campaigns laid the foundation for his leadership in technology-driven media ventures.

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Following his advertising career, Mani joined IBM in 2004, where he rose from Brand Manager to Vice President of Strategy, Marketing, and Operations for South Asia over an eight-year tenure. He then served as Senior Director for Marketing, Strategy, and Operations at Microsoft from 2008 to 2010, before co-founding the ad-tech startup Fosbury Flop, which was acquired within two years.

One of Mani’s most prominent roles came during a decade-long stint at Google. Starting as Head of Sales for India in 2010, he ultimately served as General Manager for Android and Google Play across the Asia Pacific and Japan regions. Mani has also contributed as an angel investor, board advisor, and board member for organisations including the Internet and Mobile Association of India and the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.

With Mani’s appointment, OpenAI aims to strengthen its presence in the Asia Pacific, a key growth market for AI adoption and innovation. Industry experts say Mani’s experience in leading large-scale digital platforms and technology operations positions him well to expand OpenAI’s footprint across the region.

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