LinkedIn is one of the world’s largest professional networking platforms with over 810 million users globally as of October 2022. Founded in 2002, LinkedIn connects professionals from different industries and companies, enabling them to network, share content, and access job opportunities. LinkedIn entered the Indian market in 2011 and has seen tremendous growth in the country over the past decade, becoming an indispensable tool for Indian professionals.
LinkedIn’s India Presence
As per latest reports, LinkedIn has over 82 million users in India as of September 2022, making it the platform’s second largest market after the United States. This underlines the rising importance of India for LinkedIn’s global growth strategy. India is one of LinkedIn’s fastest growing markets and continues to be a priority for the company.
Some key facts about LinkedIn India:
- Launched India operations in 2011
- Headquartered in Bengaluru
- Over 82 million users as of September 2022, up from 62 million in 2021
- Adds over 500,000 new users every month in India
- 61% of LinkedIn members are male, 39% female (globally the ratio is 55% male, 45% female)
- Has 7 offices across India – Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad and Gurgaon
LinkedIn has made major investments in India across hiring, content creation, network growth and product development. It aims to continue robust growth in the country by helping Indian professionals connect to economic opportunities.
Leadership Team
LinkedIn India operations are headed by the India Country Manager who oversees all aspects of the company’s business in the region. Here are some key executives leading LinkedIn India:
Ashutosh Gupta – India Country Manager and Head of India
Ashutosh Gupta is the Country Manager for LinkedIn India. He leads the India business across all functions and is responsible for growth in the region across talent, marketing and sales solutions.
Key aspects about Ashutosh Gupta:
- Has been the India Country Manager since June 2021
- Replaced Mahesh Narayanan who was India Country Manager from January 2019 to June 2021
- Joined LinkedIn in 2013 as Head of Marketing Solutions for India
- Previously worked at consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble in various roles
- Holds an MBA from IIM Calcutta and a B.Tech from IIT Varanasi
As country head, Ashutosh leads LinkedIn India’s strategy, operations and growth agenda. He oversees the India leadership team across sales, marketing, communications, engineering and other functions.
Nishant Rao – Managing Director, LinkedIn India
Nishant Rao is the Managing Director for LinkedIn India. He joined the company in November 2021 and leads the India business for LinkedIn’s parent company Microsoft.
Key points about Nishant Rao:
- Veteran Microsoft executive with over 21 years at the company
- Earlier headed Microsoft’s business across Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa
- Has held various senior leadership roles at Microsoft including COO for India region
- Will drive continued LinkedIn growth in India as part of Microsoft’s overall strategy
As Managing Director, Nishant Rao works closely with Ashutosh Gupta and other India leaders to expand LinkedIn’s presence and partnerships in the country.
Some Other Notable India Leaders
- Nirajita Banerjee – India Head of Engineering
- Santosh Patil – India Director of Product Management
- Sakshi Prakash – India Head of Communications
- Ruchee Anand – India Director of Talent and Learning Solutions
- Rajesh Chharia – India Head of Consumer Product
The India leadership oversees core business verticals like engineering, product, marketing solutions, talent solutions, communications and consumer products for the region.
Growth and Priorities
Under Ashutosh Gupta and Nishant Rao’s leadership, LinkedIn India continues to post robust growth:
- User base increased 30% from 62 million in 2021 to 82 million in 2022
- foresee a 28% increase in revenue in FY22 as per reports
- Added over 40 new roles in India in fields like engineering, sales and marketing in 2022
- Launched ‘Made in India’ features like Hindi language support and specific solutions for students
Some key priorities for LinkedIn India going forward:
- Expand user base in Tier 2 and 3 cities
- Launch more India-first product features
- Strengthen partnerships with Indian corporations
- Hire more employees to boost operations
- Promote greater women’s participation on the platform
Conclusion
LinkedIn India operations are led by Ashutosh Gupta as the India Country Manager & Head of India along with Nishant Rao as Managing Director. Under their leadership, LinkedIn continues to rapidly grow its user base and revenue in India while launching India-specific product features. The company is focused on expanding its presence in smaller Indian cities, hiring more talent, and working with Indian corporations and SMEs to boost economic opportunities. With over 82 million users already, India is poised to remain one of LinkedIn’s most important growth markets globally.