Roma Datta Chobey has been appointed Managing Director at Google India, where she will oversee Digital First Businesses across diverse sectors including e-commerce, fintech, edtech, gaming, and government. With over 25 years’ experience in financial services and technology, her leadership signals Google’s strengthened commitment to India’s digital growth and innovation.
Roma Datta Chobey’s appointment as Managing Director at Google India marks a significant moment in the company’s ongoing journey to deepen its footprint in one of the world’s most dynamic digital markets. In her new role, she will lead Google’s Digital First Businesses across a wide spectrum of sectors—spanning e-commerce, fintech, edtech, gaming, travel, foodtech, SaaS, media and telco, and government verticals. This expansive remit underscores both the scale of Google’s ambitions in India and the trust placed in her leadership to accelerate growth and innovation.
Her expanded responsibilities come at a time when India’s digital economy is undergoing rapid transformation. With millions of new users coming online each year, businesses are increasingly reliant on digital platforms to reach consumers, streamline operations, and drive growth. Google, as one of the most influential players in this ecosystem, has positioned itself at the centre of this evolution. Roma’s leadership will be pivotal in ensuring that the company not only maintains its market leadership but also adapts to the changing needs of businesses and policymakers.
Roma is no stranger to steering Google’s operations in India. She previously served as Interim Country Manager, a role in which she played a crucial part in guiding the company’s growth strategy in one of its most critical global markets. Her ability to navigate complex challenges, balance global priorities with local realities, and foster partnerships across industries has already been tested and proven. This experience provides her with a strong foundation as she steps into a role that demands both strategic foresight and operational agility.
Beyond her responsibilities at Google, Roma has been actively engaged in shaping India’s broader technology ecosystem. As Chairman of the Technology Committee at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and as a Member of its National Steering Committee, she has contributed to policy dialogue and digital innovation initiatives. These roles highlight her commitment to advancing India’s digital agenda not just from a corporate standpoint, but also through collaboration with industry bodies and policymakers. Her dual perspective—combining corporate leadership with policy engagement—positions her uniquely to influence the trajectory of India’s digital economy.
Her professional journey prior to Google reflects a rich blend of experience across financial services and technology. Roma has held senior leadership roles at HDFC Bank, Standard Chartered, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., IDBI Bank, and Bank of Punjab Ltd. In these positions, she built deep expertise in branch banking, sales strategy, and personal banking. This background in financial services is particularly relevant given the growing intersection of finance and technology in India, where fintech has emerged as one of the most vibrant sectors. Her ability to draw on insights from both industries will be invaluable as Google seeks to support businesses navigating this convergence.
With over 25 years of experience, Roma’s career embodies the evolution of India’s corporate landscape—from traditional banking to digital-first enterprises. Her appointment reflects Google’s recognition of the need for leaders who can bridge legacy industries with emerging technologies. It also signals the company’s intent to play a central role in advancing AI-led digital growth, a priority that is reshaping business models across sectors.
India’s digital economy is projected to reach unprecedented scale in the coming years, driven by factors such as increased smartphone penetration, affordable data, and government initiatives promoting digital inclusion. For Google, this represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. The company’s platforms are integral to how businesses engage with consumers, how students access education, how entrepreneurs scale their ventures, and how governments deliver services. Roma’s leadership will be critical in ensuring that Google’s offerings remain relevant, accessible, and impactful across these diverse domains.
Her appointment also comes at a time when global technology companies are under increasing scrutiny regarding their role in shaping economies and societies. Issues such as data privacy, digital security, and equitable access are central to policy debates in India and beyond. Roma’s involvement with FICCI and her engagement in policy dialogue suggest that she is well attuned to these concerns. Balancing innovation with responsibility will be a defining challenge of her tenure, and her ability to navigate this balance will shape Google’s reputation and influence in India.
Roma’s leadership style, shaped by her diverse experiences, is expected to emphasise collaboration, inclusivity, and long-term impact. Her track record suggests a focus not just on immediate revenue growth but also on building sustainable ecosystems that empower businesses and individuals. This approach aligns with Google’s broader mission of organising the world’s information and making it universally accessible and useful, while adapting it to the specific needs of India’s digital landscape.
The sectors under her purview—ranging from e-commerce to government—reflect the breadth of Google’s engagement in India. Each of these verticals presents unique challenges and opportunities. E-commerce is witnessing explosive growth but faces questions around logistics and consumer trust. Fintech is driving financial inclusion but must navigate regulatory complexities. Edtech has expanded rapidly but is now grappling with questions of quality and accessibility. Gaming and entertainment are booming but require careful attention to user safety and monetisation models. Government partnerships demand sensitivity to public priorities and accountability. Roma’s ability to lead across this diverse portfolio will be a testament to her versatility and strategic acumen.
Her appointment is also symbolic of the increasing prominence of women leaders in India’s technology sector. As Managing Director of Google India, Roma joins a growing cohort of women who are shaping the future of digital businesses in the country. Her success will serve as an inspiration for aspiring professionals, reinforcing the message that leadership in technology is not bound by gender but defined by vision, expertise, and impact.
Ultimately, Roma Datta Chobey’s new role represents more than a corporate appointment. It reflects the convergence of global ambition and local opportunity, of technology and policy, of innovation and responsibility. As India continues its journey towards becoming a digital-first economy, her leadership at Google will play a crucial role in shaping how businesses, consumers, and institutions harness the power of technology. For Google, it is a reaffirmation of its commitment to India. For Roma, it is the next chapter in a career dedicated to driving growth and transformation. And for India’s digital ecosystem, it is a signal that the future will be led by those who can bridge experience with innovation, and vision with execution.
Discover more from Creative Brands
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
