Twitter’s India policy head, Mahima Kaul, to step down; will transition in March

NEW DELHI: Twitter‘s Public Policy Director for India and South Asia has resigned to pursue other interests, the micro-blogging site confirmed in a statement. The company has also advertised a position for public policy director – India last week.

This comes as the San-Francisco based firm is at the receiving end of the Indian government over an issue of blocking and unblocking certain handles tweeting about farmer protests.

Sources said that the executive — who continues to lead the conversations with the government — Mahima Kaul’s stepping down is not related to the recent controversy.

Monique Meche, VP, Public Policy, Twitter said in a statement “At the start of this year, Mahima Kaul decided to step down from her role as Twitter Public Policy Director for India and South Asia to take a well-deserved break. It’s a loss for all of us at Twitter, but after more than five years in the role we respect her desire to focus on the most important people and relationships in her personal life.” Kaul will continue in her role till the end of March and will support the transition, Meche added.

“The Public Policy team acts as Twitter’s ambassadors to government policymakers, regulators, and civil society groups on public policy issues. We focus on addressing issues such as advocating for an Open Internet, freedom of expression, privacy, online safety, net neutrality, and data protection to advance the interests of Twitter and our customers. In addition, we serve as the #TwitterForGood team and provide guidance, resources, and support for Twitter’s Corporate Social Responsibility mission,” the company said in its job description on LinkedIn.

“As Twitter’s public policy lead based in India, this you’ll drive and assist development and advocacy of public policy solutions to pressing high technology issues. Specifically, you will manage and build a team of public policy and philanthropy specialists to protect and advance Twitter’s interests in India, it added among other key performing areas.