IndiaTech.Org has appointed Dhiraj Gyani as its chief executive officer, placing an experienced public policy and regulatory affairs professional at the helm of the industry association. The leadership change comes as India’s technology startups navigate evolving rules on digital markets, taxation, artificial intelligence and online platforms.
Dhiraj Gyani Takes Charge as IndiaTech.Org CEO
IndiaTech.Org appointed Dhiraj Gyani as its new chief executive officer in an announcement reported on October 8 and 9, 2026. He succeeds Rameesh Kailasam, who stepped down after leading the organisation for eight years. Gyani had most recently served as chief operating officer, working on policy advocacy, government engagement and initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s technology startup ecosystem.
The appointment comes at a significant time for India’s digital economy. Technology businesses are expanding across fintech, e-commerce, mobility, online services and artificial intelligence, while policymakers are addressing questions involving competition, consumer protection, taxation and responsible technology adoption.
For IndiaTech.Org, the leadership transition is an opportunity to continue representing the interests of Indian internet companies, startups and investors in discussions with government departments and regulators.
Gyani’s experience in public policy and business strategy is relevant to this role because industry associations often act as intermediaries between businesses and policymakers. Their work includes presenting industry concerns, contributing research and participating in consultations on proposed rules.
From Policy Operations to CEO: Gyani’s Professional Journey
Gyani joined IndiaTech.Org in June 2023 as senior director for policy and operations. He was promoted to chief operating officer in July 2024 before being elevated to the top leadership position. His career spans more than two decades across public policy, regulatory affairs, marketing and business development.
Before joining IndiaTech.Org, Gyani held senior roles at Microsoft, including work related to government and enterprise business. He also worked at the Project Management Institute, where he led government relations in India, and began his career in policy and industry association work at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
This professional background gives him experience in both corporate environments and policy-focused organisations. For technology companies, regulatory decisions can affect market entry, compliance costs, product development and expansion plans. Leaders who understand both business operations and government engagement can help communicate these effects during policy discussions.
His appointment does not automatically signal a change in IndiaTech.Org’s policy positions. Instead, the immediate priority is likely to be continuity in its existing work, alongside efforts to respond to new issues affecting the digital economy.
What IndiaTech.Org Does for India’s Startup Ecosystem
IndiaTech.Org is an industry association that represents Indian startups, internet businesses and investors in the technology sector. It works to promote a policy environment that supports domestic entrepreneurship, competition and the growth of Indian technology companies.
The organisation engages with policymakers, conducts policy research and facilitates discussions among businesses and other stakeholders. Its work covers areas such as digital platforms, fintech, online gaming, mobility, taxation and emerging technologies.
These issues have direct implications for businesses. A change in digital lending rules, for example, can affect how financial technology companies structure products and partnerships. Changes to online gaming regulations can influence business models, investment decisions and compliance requirements. Rules affecting digital marketplaces can also shape how platforms work with sellers and consumers.
Industry associations provide a collective channel through which companies can present their concerns rather than approaching every policy issue separately. However, their recommendations represent industry perspectives and must be considered alongside the interests of consumers, workers, smaller businesses and the broader public.
Under Gyani’s leadership, IndiaTech.Org will need to maintain this engagement while addressing the varied priorities of its members.
Digital Economy Regulation Becomes a Key Challenge
India’s digital economy is growing across sectors, but the rules governing technology businesses continue to evolve. Policymakers face the task of encouraging innovation while addressing concerns about consumer protection, fair competition, data governance and accountability.
Artificial intelligence is adding another layer to the debate. Businesses are exploring AI for customer service, software development, financial services and operational efficiency. At the same time, questions around data use, safety, intellectual property and responsibility for AI-generated outputs require policy attention.
For startups, uncertainty around future regulations can affect fundraising, hiring and expansion. Large companies may have dedicated legal and compliance teams, while smaller businesses often have fewer resources to interpret new requirements and adapt quickly.
The challenge is not simply reducing regulation. Clear, predictable and proportionate rules can help businesses plan investments and compete on a more equal footing. Effective policy also needs to protect users and address genuine risks created by digital services.
IndiaTech.Org’s role is to bring industry evidence and practical concerns into these discussions. The effectiveness of that work will depend on the quality of its research, the breadth of stakeholder engagement and the extent to which its proposals address wider economic and public interests.
AI, Taxation and Online Platforms on the Policy Agenda
IndiaTech.Org’s policy work spans several areas that are important to the country’s technology sector. Taxation, digital lending, online gaming, mobility and sustainability are among the issues the organisation has highlighted in its public communications
Taxation can influence how startups manage cash flow, structure transactions and invest in expansion. For businesses operating across multiple states or serving international customers, differences in tax treatment and compliance requirements can add operational complexity.
Digital lending and fintech present another set of questions. Regulators must balance innovation and access to credit with consumer protection, responsible lending and financial stability. As digital payment infrastructure expands, decisions about participation and product design can affect competition among banks, non-banking financial companies and technology platforms.
Online gaming and mobility businesses also operate in areas where regulation can change market conditions quickly. Companies need clarity on the rules governing their services, while authorities must consider public interest and potential risks.
These issues will require sustained engagement rather than one-time policy interventions. Gyani’s experience in government relations and regulatory affairs positions him to contribute to that process, although the eventual impact will depend on policy decisions and cooperation among stakeholders.
Leadership Transition After Eight Years
Gyani succeeds Rameesh Kailasam, who led IndiaTech.Org for eight years. During his tenure, the association worked to establish a collective voice for India’s startup and technology ecosystem and engaged with policymakers on issues affecting business growth and competitiveness.
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The transition places responsibility on the new CEO to maintain relationships with members, investors, government departments and regulators. It also creates an opportunity to assess how the organisation can respond to new technologies and changing business models.
For India’s startup ecosystem, the central issue is whether policy engagement can produce greater clarity and support sustainable growth without weakening consumer safeguards. Technology companies need rules that are understandable and consistently applied, while regulators need credible information about how proposed measures will affect markets.
Gyani’s appointment brings relevant experience to that challenge. The next phase of IndiaTech.Org’s work will show how the organisation translates its policy expertise into practical recommendations for businesses and policymakers.
Key Takeaways
- IndiaTech.Org appointed Dhiraj Gyani as CEO, succeeding Rameesh Kailasam after an eight-year leadership tenure.
- Gyani previously served as the organisation’s COO and joined in June 2023 as senior director for policy and operations.
- His professional background includes public policy, regulatory affairs and roles at Microsoft, the Project Management Institute and FICCI.
- Digital economy regulation, AI, taxation, fintech and online platforms remain important policy areas for India’s technology ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Dhiraj Gyani?
Dhiraj Gyani is a public policy and regulatory affairs professional who has been appointed CEO of IndiaTech.Org. He has more than two decades of experience across policy, business development and corporate roles.
2. Who did Dhiraj Gyani succeed at IndiaTech.Org?
He succeeded Rameesh Kailasam, who stepped down after leading the industry association for eight years.
3. What does IndiaTech.Org do?
IndiaTech.Org represents Indian internet companies, startups and investors. It engages with policymakers, conducts research and advocates policies intended to support entrepreneurship and a competitive domestic technology ecosystem.
4. Why is the CEO appointment significant for India’s technology industry?
The appointment comes as digital businesses face evolving policy questions involving AI, taxation, fintech, online platforms and consumer protection. Gyani’s experience in regulatory affairs and government relations is relevant to the association’s continued engagement with policymakers.
