The face of FB India
Kirthiga Reddy was drawn to India from the US.
How does Kirthiga Reddy stay in touch with her friends and family back in the United States? She, like millions others, relies on Facebook. Reddy, however, would know a thing or two more about the social networking website than most common folk. She is, after all, Director of Online Operations and Head of Office India at Facebook.
"When I chose to move back to India in January 2008, I became an active user of Facebook to keep my husband - then still in the US (now back in India) - connected about things related with our two daughters. Also, having lived in the US for 14 years, Facebook allows me to connect with my friends there," says Reddy.
In July this year, Reddy became the first Facebook India employee. Her mandate: set up the office - in Hyderabad - and a team. Today, Facebook India is in a hiring mode but would not share its India headcount numbers. Its India outpost, apparently, has a vital role to play.
"We are working with users, developers and advertisers - our three crucial constituents - on a global basis. We have to ensure the operations are safe and trusted for users; we have to foster an ecosystem for developers; and we have to help advertisers leverage the platform of Facebook to reach out and engage with users," says Reddy.
The years ahead promise to be exciting as Reddy attempts to build an organisation in India that is rooted in, what she says, "the global Facebook culture and values".
Personally, it is going to be about "fostering the next generation of women leaders in India; driving children's causes like their safety and access to education; and making an impact at a national level". India is where she wants to be, and with so many goals, Reddy is going to be a very busy woman in the years ahead. You could keep track of her on Facebook.
| Kirthiga Reddy Head of Office India, Facebook Previous employer: Phoenix Technologies, US Why i came back : After frequent workrelated visits to India, one could clearly sense the change happening in India and how it was the place to be professionally and personally If I was not in India: Unlikely since India is where I want to be. If not then still be in a global leadership role in the US High point in India: Joining Facebook and having an opportunity to build Facebook India from the ground up Low point in India: Despite India being a happening place, there is still a great deal of room for improvement on issues like accountability and transparency |
In July this year, Reddy became the first Facebook India employee. Her mandate: set up the office - in Hyderabad - and a team. Today, Facebook India is in a hiring mode but would not share its India headcount numbers. Its India outpost, apparently, has a vital role to play.
"We are working with users, developers and advertisers - our three crucial constituents - on a global basis. We have to ensure the operations are safe and trusted for users; we have to foster an ecosystem for developers; and we have to help advertisers leverage the platform of Facebook to reach out and engage with users," says Reddy.
The years ahead promise to be exciting as Reddy attempts to build an organisation in India that is rooted in, what she says, "the global Facebook culture and values".
Personally, it is going to be about "fostering the next generation of women leaders in India; driving children's causes like their safety and access to education; and making an impact at a national level". India is where she wants to be, and with so many goals, Reddy is going to be a very busy woman in the years ahead. You could keep track of her on Facebook.
