Why Did Meta India’s Public Policy Head Shivnath Thukral Step Down?
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Synopsis
In a surprising announcement, Shivnath Thukral, the head of public policy at Meta India, is leaving his position to explore new opportunities. With a significant impact on policy discussions over the last 7.5 years, his departure marks a pivotal moment for Meta in India. What does this mean for the future?
Key Takeaways
- Shivnath Thukral is stepping down from his role at Meta India.
- He has significantly influenced policy discussions for over 7.5 years.
- Thukral joined Meta in 2017 and became director of public policy in November 2022.
- His departure opens new opportunities for leadership in policy at Meta.
- Thukral expressed confidence in the team's capability to continue their work.
New Delhi, June 11 (NationPress) Shivnath Thukral, who has been serving as the head of public policy for Meta India, is set to leave his position to "pursue new opportunities", as announced by the US-based technology giant on Wednesday.
Kevin Martin, VP and Head of Global Policy at Meta, stated in a message to IANS that during his time as part of the India leadership team, Thukral significantly contributed to steering and influencing crucial policy and regulatory discussions that have been vital for both the industry and Meta in India throughout the past 7.5 years.
"We are grateful for his leadership and contributions, and we wish him success in his future pursuits," added Martin.
Thukral joined Meta (previously known as Facebook) in 2017, taking on various policy positions. He became the director of public policy for Meta India in November 2022, following the departure of Rajiv Aggarwal.
Before this role, Thukral worked as the director of public policy for WhatsApp India for nearly four years and was promoted to Meta's vice-president for public policy in March 2024.
In a LinkedIn post, Thukral expressed, "Making this decision has not been easy, but I am confident that our policy engagement with stakeholders is at a credible and constructive stage, and we can only build from here."
He mentioned, "There will always be more to accomplish, and I trust that the team is well-prepared to navigate ahead. Having contributed to establishing some of the systems and processes, I believe now is the right time to let the engine and the team operate independently."
Thukral will officially step down from his role as VP of India Public Policy at the end of this month.
"As I embark on my next journey, I would like to acknowledge the exceptional work of my team, which is one of the leading teams in the business and one of the reasons why this decision is particularly challenging for me. I admire their drive and enthusiasm to keep me engaged," Thukral concluded.
Point of View
Thukral's departure from Meta India is notable, given his pivotal role in shaping policy dialogues. His leadership has been instrumental in navigating complex regulatory landscapes, and while his exit may create a gap, it also opens up opportunities for new perspectives in public policy.
NationPress
30/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Shivnath Thukral leaving Meta India?
Shivnath Thukral is stepping down from his role to pursue new opportunities. He has expressed confidence in the current state of policy engagement at Meta.
What has Thukral accomplished during his tenure?
Thukral played a crucial role in shaping policy and regulatory discussions over the past 7.5 years, significantly influencing Meta's operations in India.
When will Thukral officially leave Meta?
Shivnath Thukral will officially step down from his position as VP of India Public Policy at the end of this month.
What positions did Thukral hold at Meta before his departure?
He joined Meta in 2017 and served in various policy roles, becoming director of public policy for Meta India in November 2022.
Who will take over Thukral's responsibilities at Meta?
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding who will succeed Thukral in his role.
