Meet Pragya Misra, OpenAI’s first hire in India | Key things to know
Upstox
2 min read • Updated: April 20, 2024, 9:27 AM
Summary
The appointment assumes significance as OpenAI, the leading AI startup, is expected to tap into the world’s populous market of India. The country is estimated to have over 900 million Internet users by 2025.
OpenAI, the developer of artificial intelligence (AI)-based chatbot sensation ChatGPT, has hired Pragya Misra, its first employee in India, according to Bloomberg. While the details were yet to be officially released, the news agency learnt from sources that she has been brought onboard as the head of government relations.
The appointment assumes significance as OpenAI, the leading AI startup, is expected to tap into the world’s populous market of India. The country is estimated to have over 900 million Internet users by 2025, as per market research agency Kantar.
The hiring of Misra to shape government relations, as claimed in the Bloomberg report, comes at a time when India is voting in the nationwide Lok Sabha polls to elect the next central government. The shaping of policies related to AI – the path-breaking technology that is impacting several spheres of life – is expected to be on the agenda after the next government takes charge.
Key things to know about Pragya Misra
Misra, 39, holds experience in handling public policy affairs. She has been working with Truecaller, a leading caller ID application for smartphones, as its director of public affairs since July 2021. As part of her role, she was required to work closely with government ministries, media partners, investors and other key stakeholders, Moneycontrol reported.
Prior to joining Truecaller, she was working with Big Tech firm Meta Platforms. Her tenure lasted for three years from 2018 to 2021. During this period, she also led WhatsApp’s campaign against misinformation.
Her earlier work experiences include stints with global accounting firm Ernst & Young, and the Royal Danish Embassy in New Delhi.
In terms of education, Misra is a graduate in commerce from the Delhi University. She also pursued a diploma in bargaining and negotiations from the London School of Economics and Political Science. In 2012, she completed her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the International Management Institute.
Misra hosts a podcast show – Pragyaan Podcast – where she discusses topics such as meditation and consciousness. According to reports, she is also a golfer who has represented the country in several tournaments between 1998 and 2007.