OpenAI has elevated Pragya Misra to lead its strategic vision and priorities in one of the world’s most consequential AI markets. In her expanded role, Misra will drive a unified India strategy that informs and aligns product, policy, partnerships, and go-to-market decisions, while continuing to oversee Global Affairs.
This move comes via her linkedin post.
Misra, who joined OpenAI in April 2024 as Lead for Public Policy & Partnerships, has played a key role in forwarding the company’s values of safety, transparency, and human-centric innovation. She has focused on ensuring that generative AI maximises opportunities while minimising potential societal harm, according to media reports.
Before joining OpenAI, Misra served as Director of Public Affairs at Truecaller between 2021 and 2024, where she built the public affairs function and led advocacy initiatives with government, civil society, and media stakeholders. She also spearheaded the #ItsNotOK campaign, which aimed to minimise harassment in digital communication.
Between 2018 and 2021, Misra was Communications Manager at WhatsApp, becoming the company’s first India hire. She developed and executed WhatsApp’s communications strategy, managed complex product announcements, and led partnerships to enhance brand perception and align with initiatives such as Digital India and Startup India. She also handled crisis communications and engaged with government and civil society to promote privacy and inclusion.
Earlier, Misra worked with the Royal Danish Embassy in New Delhi from 2014 to 2018 as Sector Head for Lifesciences and Transport, where she facilitated trade growth between Denmark and South Asia. Her responsibilities included market entry strategies, public policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement for Danish companies and government agencies.
From 2013 to 2014, she served as Assistant Manager in the Markets Team at EY, leading business development for mid-market clients across industries and managing key account strategies. Prior to that, she co-founded and served as CEO of MBA-Infosoft between 2008 and 2013, an IT services company providing ERP and consulting solutions for SMEs in retail, hospitality, and education sectors. During her tenure, she grew the company’s client base and service portfolio significantly.
Before entering the corporate sector, Misra held a golf scholarship with Indian Airlines (now Air India) from 2003 to 2007. A national-level athlete, she was ranked among India’s top three amateur golfers and represented the country in several international tournaments.
