OpenAI Onboards JioStar CEO Kiran Mani To Head Asia-Pacific Operations: Report

ChatGPT parent OpenAI has reportedly onboarded JioStar CEO Kiran Mani as the MD to helm its Asia-Pacific operations.

As per a Bloomberg report, Mani will be based out of the AI giant’s Singapore headquarters, reporting directly to CFO Jason Kwon. 

Mani is expected to commence his role at OpenAI in June and has stepped down as the CEO of JioStar, as per reports.

Inc42 has reached out to OpenAI for comments on the development. The story will be updated on receiving a response. 

Mani has over two decades of experience in operations and strategy. He joined JioStar in 2023 to head digital platforms (JioHotstar and Cricinfo) along with other metrics including  consumer, content and revenue. 

Prior to that, Mani worked with the likes of Microsoft, Google, and IBM at various leadership positions. He was associated with Google for 13 years – managing different roles like head of sales (India), MD , and looking after Asia Pacific & Japan operations. Additionally, he also serves as a board member of IIT Madras. 

The development comes at a time when OpenAI is focusing on increasing its presence across the world. Earlier this week, it was reported that the Sam Altman-led company is looking to almost double its headcount to about 8,000 from 4,500.

Asia-Pacific is an important area for the company, which is also making aggressive moves to strengthen its presence in India. At the ‘India AI Impact Summit 2026’ last month, OpenAI announced plans to open new offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru by the end of 2026. 

The company also unveiled  a new initiative called ‘OpenAI for India’ at the Summit. It said India has over 10 Cr weekly ChatGPT users – spanning students, developers, and businesses.

It also announced a strategic partnership with the Tata Group to build AI infrastructure in the country, beginning with 100 MW and potentially scaling up to 1 GW over time. It also announced a partnership with JioHotstar to offer an in-stream commerce feature to link content discovery to shopping within the viewing experience. 

Prior to the Summit, OpenAI partnered with a group of leading Indian educational institutions, including IIT Delhi, IIM Ahmedabad, AIIMS, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, and Pearl Academy, to roll out ChatGPT Edu and structured AI training across campuses. 

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