Meta Appoints Arun Srinivas as New India Head Amid Regulatory Crossroads

Introduction

In a strategic leadership shift, Meta has appointed Arun Srinivas as its new Managing Director and Head of India, effective July 1, 2025. The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the tech giant as it navigates India’s tightening regulatory framework while aiming to sustain momentum in one of its largest markets.

Who is Arun Srinivas?

• Current role: Director of Ad Business for Meta India
• Background: Former stints at Unilever, Reebok, Ola, and Sequoia Capital
• Expertise: Advertising, brand strategy, and performance marketing
• Srinivas will now lead Meta’s operations across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, overseeing partnerships, public policy, and revenue.

🇮🇳 Why This Move Matters for Meta India

India is Meta’s largest user base

• Over 500 million WhatsApp users
• Nearly 450 million Facebook users
• Instagram continues to grow rapidly among Gen Z

Regulatory pressure is growing

• Ongoing scrutiny over data localization, content moderation, and algorithm transparency
• Srinivas will be Meta’s key interface with India’s government and policy-making bodies

Shift from revenue to reputation

• With ad revenue facing plateauing growth, the focus may now be on long-term policy alignment and brand trust-building

Strategic Implications

• Localized leadership could improve government relations and cultural alignment
• Expect Srinivas to drive Meta’s Creator Economy and SMB ad business, which are growing fast in Tier 2/3 India
• He will likely play a role in Meta’s AI + Metaverse rollout strategy tailored for India

What Meta Said

“Arun brings a unique blend of deep consumer understanding, brand expertise and leadership acumen. We are confident he will take Meta India into its next phase of growth.” — Meta Spokesperson