YouTube India has a new leader at the helm. Gunjan Soni, a seasoned executive with an impressive track record across tech, media, and e-commerce, has been named the new Country Managing Director for YouTube India. The appointment signals a strategic shift as YouTube strengthens its grip on one of its most important and fast-evolving markets.
Her mission?
Drive the next phase of creator growth, engagement, and monetization—with India at the epicenter of the global content economy.
A Multi-Industry Veteran
Gunjan’s appointment isn’t just about leadership — it’s about alignment. Her past roles span high-impact companies:
- CEO of ZALORA Group (SEA’s leading fashion e-commerce platform)
- Head of Jabong & CMO at Myntra, where she scaled fashion retail through digital storytelling
- Executive VP at Star India, deepening her exposure to media and content innovation
- Former McKinsey consultant, with strategic depth across industries
- Board member at CBRE Group, further expanding her influence in corporate leadership
This blend of experience makes her a powerful bridge between content, commerce, and creators — three pillars of YouTube’s India strategy.
Why This Role Matters Now
India is already one of YouTube’s largest and fastest-growing markets, both in terms of viewership and creator output. With over 450 million monthly active users in India alone and a rising creator class of vloggers, educators, musicians, and entrepreneurs, YouTube is a cornerstone of the country’s digital landscape.
Gautam Anand, YouTube’s VP for Asia-Pacific, says:
“Gunjan’s diverse experience and strategic acumen will help accelerate creator growth and engagement across India.”
The focus now is clear: deepening engagement, globalising Indian creators, and evolving monetisation models beyond ads.
The Future: Video Commerce & Global Storytelling
Gunjan’s e-commerce roots will likely guide YouTube’s expansion into video-led commerce, where livestreams, product showcases, and influencer-driven shopping converge. India is ripe for this shift, as mobile-native consumers increasingly turn to platforms like YouTube for product discovery and recommendations.
Additionally, she’s expected to champion tools and programs that:
- Enable multilingual content creation
- Promote regional and grassroots creators
- Expand Shorts and Community tools
- Fuel partnerships between creators and brands
The goal isn’t just more videos — it’s smarter, scalable storytelling that travels beyond borders.
What This Means for the Creator Economy
For Indian creators, Gunjan’s appointment is timely. With new monetization features, AI-powered content tools, and international collaboration programs emerging across Alphabet’s portfolio, YouTube India’s leadership will be pivotalin shaping how creators earn, grow, and engage in 2025 and beyond.
As the creator economy matures, India is no longer just a consumption hub — it’s a global creative powerhouse. And with Gunjan Soni at the wheel, YouTube India seems ready to raise the stakes.
Source: YouTube