Archive · 9 Oct 2026
AI Companies Recruit Big Tech Leaders Across Asia
AI companies want to sell their products in more places, including India and Singapore.
To do that, they are hiring leaders who already know how big technology companies work in Asia.
These leaders can help build partnerships, understand local rules, and earn trust from businesses and customers.
One example is Sandhya Devanathan, who left Meta to join OpenAI.
The article says she was at least the ninth executive hired this way in Asia over the past year.
In the United States, AI companies often compete for researchers and engineers.
In Asia, they also need people who can help turn AI technology into business.
Experts say there are not many experienced leaders available, though that group may grow over time.
OpenAI and Anthropic are hiring experienced executives from US technology companies to build teams in Asian markets.
Meta executive Sandhya Devanathan left after a decade to become OpenAI’s vice president for Southeast Asia and Australia.
The article says Devanathan was at least the ninth such hire by a US AI company in Asia in the past year.
Executives with regional experience are sought for partnerships, policy engagement, business development, and local market growth.
Experts say the pool of proven technology leaders is limited, but could grow as leaders emerge from other sectors.
- Who
- OpenAI and Anthropic, and executives recruited from major technology companies; one named hire is Sandhya Devanathan.
- What
- US AI companies are recruiting experienced technology executives to build teams and expand in Asian markets.
- When
- The article reports at least nine such hires in Asia in the past year; Devanathan joined OpenAI last month.
- Where
- Asian markets including India and Singapore, with roles covering Southeast Asia and Australia.
- Why
- AI companies want leaders who can support market adoption through local partnerships, policy engagement, and business development.
- Companies recruiting
- OpenAI and Anthropic
- Example hire
- Sandhya Devanathan joined OpenAI as vice president for Southeast Asia and Australia.
- Previous employer
- Devanathan had worked at Meta for a decade.
- Hiring count
- At least nine hires by US AI companies from American big tech firms in Asia in the past year, according to the article.
- Regional markets mentioned
- India and Singapore
- Skills sought
- Partnerships, policy, business development, and experience translating global strategies into local markets.
- Talent supply
- Experts quoted in the article describe a limited pool of proven executives.