Big Tech's Battle for AI Executives Intensifies in Asia
By Editor • September 11, 2026 • 2 min read
As the artificial intelligence race heats up globally, Asia is becoming a key battleground for tech giants seeking top executive talent. Companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are aggressively recruiting seasoned leaders from established U.S. firms, aiming to enhance their operations in markets such as India and Singapore.
Notably, Sandhya Devanathan, former vice president for India and Southeast Asia at Meta, recently transitioned to OpenAI as vice president for Southeast Asia and Australia. This move marks a significant development in the talent acquisition strategies of U.S. AI companies, which have made a series of high-profile hires from American tech firms in the region over the past year.
Shifting Focus: From Engineers to Executives
The hiring landscape in Asia differs from the U.S., where the competition primarily revolves around attracting top researchers and engineers. In contrast, the demand in Asia is for executives who can effectively translate AI innovations into market success. According to Deepali Vyas, global head of data and AI executive search at ZRG Partners, companies are looking for leaders capable of navigating partnerships, policy-making, and business development in this crucial market.
The Value of Dual Institutional Literacy
Experts emphasize the importance of understanding both American and local market dynamics. Sanchit Vir Gogia, chief analyst at Greyhound Research, points out that the most sought-after executives possess dual institutional literacy—an awareness of how U.S.-based companies operate financially, alongside knowledge of local customer needs and regulatory environments. This blend of skills is essential for successfully adapting global strategies to regional realities.
The trend is fueled by a limited pool of experienced leaders, as highlighted by Neeti Sharma, CEO of TeamLease Digital. The scarcity at the leadership level means that tech firms are increasingly vying for a small group of proven executives, with hopes that new leaders will emerge from the growing tech ecosystem.
Source: restofworld.org
