GDAI Names Former Epic Games India Leader Shruti Verma as CEO
The Game Developer Association of India (GDAI) has unveiled a significant enhancement in its leadership team by naming Shruti Verma, the former leader of Epic Games India, as the Chief Executive Officer.
This decision aligns with the organization's efforts to bolster governance, policy involvement, and institutional capabilities in response to the ongoing growth of India's video gaming industry.
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GDAI has appointed Sean (Hyunil) Sohn, the Chief Executive of Krafton India, to its Board, and also selected Apurva Chandra, who previously held the position of Secretary in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, as an Advisor to the Board.
This strategic decision by the association has been described as a harmonious blend of international operational proficiency and seasoned policy knowledge.
The new leaders being brought on board align with the strategic goals outlined in GDAI's Vision 2035, which seeks to establish India as a prominent player in the global game development industry.
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This strategic plan is centered on enhancing the skilled workforce, assisting game development studios in creating internationally competitive intellectual property that incorporates innovative approaches and India-centric narratives, and collaborating with government bodies to establish a reliable regulatory environment.
Apurva Chandra, as an Advisor to the Board, highlighted the significant progress India has made in developing AVGC policy.
He expressed his commitment to enhancing regulatory frameworks that not only ensure stability for the industry, but also bolster India's international competitiveness.
Board member Sean Sohn said India’s gaming ecosystem is entering a decisive phase. “India’s gaming sector stands at an inflection point, with scale, talent, and innovation converging. GDAI has helped create that momentum, and I look forward to supporting its efforts to deepen governance and strengthen India’s position in the global games industry,” he adds.
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Newly appointed CEO Shruti Verma said she is taking charge at a crucial time for the industry.“I am honoured to step into this responsibility at a pivotal moment for India’s videogaming ecosystem. As we strengthen GDAI’s executive leadership at the Board level, our focus will be on building a cohesive, future-ready framework that aligns policy, industry, and innovation,” she says.
The modifications are based on the current group of leaders at GDAI, comprised of individuals such as Manish Agarwal, Manvendra Shukul, Nitish Mittersain, Rajan Navani, Rajesh Rao, and Sridhar Muppidi. The organization emphasized that its enhanced leadership team, combined with the establishment of a new Governing Council, demonstrates its dedication to a gaming ecosystem that is responsibly managed, driven by innovation, and prioritizes sustainable value and the development of original intellectual property.