Google has appointed Preeti Lobana as its new Vice President and Country Manager for India, succeeding Sanjay Gupta, who was promoted to President of Google Asia Pacific. This exciting announcement, made on December 16, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in Google’s leadership journey, with Lobana set to play a key role in shaping the company’s future in India, especially in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
With over three decades of experience in the business world, Lobana is no stranger to leadership roles and driving transformative change. In this article, we delve into her career, achievements, and the vision she brings to Google India.
Who Is Preeti Lobana?
Preeti Lobana is a highly accomplished executive with an extensive career spanning across various industries, including technology, banking, and financial services. She brings over 30 years of experience in leading teams and driving business growth. Before her appointment as Google India’s Vice President and Country Manager, Lobana held a significant leadership role as Vice President of Customer-Centric Solutions at Google.
A Journey with Google
Preeti Lobana’s journey with Google began over 8.5 years ago, where she initially focused on the Ads business in the Small and Medium Business (SMB) segment and Google Technical Services within the Global Business Organization. Throughout her tenure, she became known for her ability to drive business growth and optimize customer experiences. Her leadership was instrumental in scaling Google’s presence in India, particularly in the SMB sector.
Lobana also served as the site lead for Google’s Gurgaon office, contributing significantly to the company’s operational strategy and organizational development. Her deep understanding of the Indian market and tech industry has made her a valuable asset to the company.
Preeti’s Early Career
Before joining Google, Lobana built a solid foundation in the banking and financial services sector. She worked with globally recognized institutions such as NatWest Group, American Express, Standard Chartered Bank, and ANZ Grindlays Bank. In these roles, she gained expertise in managing large teams and overseeing complex operations.
Notably, Lobana managed over 1,200 people in India and led teams across 26 locations worldwide. This diverse leadership experience has shaped her approach to business transformation and team management, skills she now brings to her role at Google.
Lobana’s Leadership Philosophy
Preeti Lobana’s leadership is defined by her ability to bring together technology and human-centric strategies. She has a proven track record in transforming businesses, scaling operations, and driving measurable commercial impact. Lobana is particularly passionate about leveraging emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning to innovate and enhance customer experience.
One of her key areas of expertise is building high-performing teams. At Google, she will be instrumental in strengthening the company’s workforce in India, fostering a culture of innovation, and further developing Google’s position as a leader in AI-driven solutions.
Vision for Google India
In her new role as Vice President and Country Manager, Preeti Lobana will focus on expanding Google’s AI capabilities and ensuring that the transformative power of AI reaches customers across India. India is a significant market for Google, and Lobana’s leadership will be critical in driving the company’s mission to make AI accessible to businesses, developers, and consumers alike.
Her appointment comes at a time when AI is transforming industries worldwide, and Lobana is expected to play a key role in integrating AI-driven products and services to help businesses grow and innovate.
Google’s Leading Women: A Global Influence
Preeti Lobana joins a distinguished group of women leaders at Google, many of whom have shaped the company’s success. Notable figures include Ruth Porat, the Chief Financial Officer of Google and Alphabet, and Jen Fitzpatrick, the Senior Vice President of Core and Maps. These women, alongside Lobana, are part of a growing group of leaders who are pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation.
Google has long been a champion of diversity and inclusion, and Lobana’s appointment reflects the company’s commitment to empowering women in leadership roles.
A Strong Advocate for Diversity
Lobana has always been an advocate for diversity in the workplace. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. By championing these values, she aims to foster a workplace culture that thrives on innovation and creativity.
FAQs about Preeti Lobana and Her Role at Google
1. What is Preeti Lobana’s new role at Google?
Preeti Lobana has been appointed as the Vice President and Country Manager for Google India. She will lead Google’s operations in India, focusing on expanding its AI-driven initiatives and helping businesses leverage Google’s technology.
2. How long has Preeti Lobana worked at Google?
Preeti Lobana has been with Google for over 8.5 years, during which she has held several leadership roles, including Vice President of Customer-Centric Solutions.
3. What was Preeti Lobana’s role before joining Google?
Before joining Google, Preeti Lobana worked in the banking and financial services sector, with leading organizations such as NatWest Group, American Express, and Standard Chartered Bank.
4. What are Preeti Lobana’s key areas of expertise?
Preeti Lobana’s expertise includes business transformation, customer experience enhancement, AI and machine learning innovations, and building high-performing teams.
5. Why is Preeti Lobana’s appointment significant for Google?
Lobana’s appointment is significant because of her vast leadership experience and her deep understanding of the Indian market. She will play a crucial role in driving Google’s AI strategy and expanding its reach in India.