Sandhya Devanathan Joins OpenAI After Leaving Meta

New Delhi, India Aug 29, 2026 ALN: Update | August 29, 01:54 AM IST

In a significant development within the tech industry, Sandhya Devanathan has confirmed her departure from Meta, where she served as the vice president for India and Southeast Asia. This announcement comes just hours before it was revealed that she will be joining OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence research organization. In her new capacity at OpenAI, Devanathan will be responsible for overseeing consumer growth, enterprise adoption, partnerships, regulatory engagement, and operations across Southeast Asia and Australia, with her base of operations set in Singapore.

Devanathan's exit from Meta marks the conclusion of a notable tenure that spanned over a decade. During her time at Meta, she held various influential roles that contributed to the company's expansion and success in the region. Following her departure, Arun Srinivas, currently the managing director for Meta in India, will report directly to Benjamin Joe, the vice president for Asia Pacific.

In a poignant LinkedIn post, Devanathan shared her mixed emotions regarding her departure from Meta, stating, “After more than a decade at Meta, I’ve made the bittersweet decision to move on to my next adventure.” She indicated her intention to take a brief hiatus before embarking on her new role at OpenAI, suggesting a moment of reflection and transition in her career.

Devanathan's career at Meta began in 2016 when she joined as group director for its ecommerce, travel, and financial services businesses in Southeast Asia. Her trajectory within the company saw her ascend to the position of managing director for Facebook Singapore and head of business for Vietnam. Notably, in 2020, she took charge of Meta’s gaming vertical in the Asia-Pacific region, which has been recognized as one of the company’s largest and most lucrative business segments.

In November 2022, Devanathan was appointed as Meta's India head and vice president, a role she officially assumed in January 2023. Her responsibilities were further expanded to encompass Southeast Asia in June 2025, coinciding with the appointment of Arun Srinivas as the managing director and head for India. This expansion reflects Meta's strategic focus on the rapidly growing Southeast Asian market, which has become increasingly important for technology companies.

Before her illustrious career at Meta, Devanathan accumulated substantial experience in the financial sector, spending nearly a decade at Citi and over six years at Standard Chartered Bank. Her diverse background in finance and technology has equipped her with a unique perspective on the intersection of these industries. Furthermore, she has served as a founding board member of Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Ltd, an enterprise AI joint venture between Meta and Reliance, since February 2026, although it remains uncertain whether she will continue in this role following her transition to OpenAI.

Devanathan's departure from Meta occurs at a time when the company is facing increasing regulatory scrutiny in India. The Indian government has raised concerns regarding Meta's compliance with local laws, particularly in relation to issues such as child sexual abuse material and the need for clearer labeling of AI-generated content. These regulatory challenges have prompted Meta to engage in discussions with the Indian government to address these concerns and adapt its operations accordingly.

In light of Devanathan's new role at OpenAI, the tech community is keenly observing how her leadership will shape the company's growth trajectory in the region. OpenAI, known for its cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence, has been expanding its global footprint, and Devanathan's expertise in consumer growth and partnerships could play a pivotal role in enhancing the organization's presence in Southeast Asia and Australia.

The implications of Devanathan's move extend beyond her individual career trajectory. As OpenAI continues to navigate the complexities of AI development and deployment, her experience in managing regulatory engagement will be crucial, particularly as governments around the world grapple with the ethical and societal implications of AI technologies. The tech industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and the ability to adapt to regulatory landscapes will be essential for companies aiming to thrive in this environment.

In conclusion, Sandhya Devanathan's transition from Meta to OpenAI signifies not only a personal career milestone but also highlights the dynamic nature of the technology sector. As she embarks on this new chapter, her contributions are likely to resonate across the industry, influencing both the growth of OpenAI and the broader conversation surrounding the responsible development of artificial intelligence in Southeast Asia and beyond.