Digital
OpenAI’s Stargate lead Peter Hoeschele exits with two senior leaders
Trio behind compute push set to join new startup amid leadership reshuffle
SAN FRANCISCO: Peter Hoeschele, a key figure behind OpenAI’s early Stargate data centre initiative, has exited the company, according to a report by The Information.
The departure is part of a broader leadership shift, with two other senior executives, Shamez Hemani and Anuj Saharan, also set to leave in the coming days. All three are expected to join the same new startup, although details about the venture remain under wraps.
The trio played a central role in OpenAI’s Stargate effort, an initiative aimed at building large-scale data centre capacity in-house to reduce reliance on external infrastructure providers. Their exits mark a notable moment for the company’s compute strategy as it continues to scale rapidly.
OpenAI spokesperson said in a statement to The Information, “We’re grateful for the contributions Peter, Shamez, and Anuj have made to OpenAI and wish them the very best in what comes next.” The company also pointed to the recent appointment of Sachin Katti to lead its industrial compute organisation, signalling continuity in its infrastructure roadmap.
OpenAI has indicated that it does not plan to directly replace Hoeschele’s role, suggesting a possible restructuring of responsibilities within the team.
As competition intensifies in the race to build next-generation AI systems, leadership changes in core infrastructure teams are likely to draw close attention. For now, the spotlight shifts to what this departing trio builds next, and how OpenAI adapts as it scales its ambitions.
Digital
The Indian Express appoints Nandagopal Rajan as CEO Digital & Shobhit Singhal as chief technology and product officer
Longtime editor steps up to lead next phase of growth and storytelling
NEW DELHI: The The Indian Express has announced a major leadership reshuffle in its digital division, naming veteran journalist Nandagopal Rajan as chief executive officer (Digital), while also bringing in Shobhit Singhal as chief technology and product officer.
Rajan, who has been with the organisation for over a decade, steps into the role after serving as chief operating officer and earlier as editor of new media. His journey with the company dates back to 2013, when the digital team was a compact setup. Today, it has expanded into a multi-city operation with over 500 employees, reflecting the rapid evolution of the publisher’s online presence.
In a note announcing his new role, Rajan said, “Stepping into the role of CEO of The Indian Express Digital, I am very aware that it is not about a title. It is about responsibility to the vision, to the belief that we must always be content-led, and to every reader who expects credible journalism from us.”
He also acknowledged the contributions of leadership figures such as Anant Goenka and George Varghese, while crediting Sanjay Sindhwani for building a strong foundation for future growth.
In parallel, the company has appointed Shobhit Singhal to lead its consumer product and technology functions, overseeing engineering, design, marketing, growth and subscriptions. Singhal brings extensive experience across digital product ecosystems, having previously worked with platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar and Moloco, and also serving on advisory initiatives with Google.
Singhal’s mandate will focus on strengthening user experience and scaling the publication’s digital offerings, as competition intensifies across India’s online news and media landscape.
The dual appointments signal a sharper focus on technology-led storytelling and product innovation at The Indian Express, as it continues to expand its digital footprint.
With seasoned newsroom leadership and a product-first strategy now aligned, the organisation appears set to push into its next phase of digital growth while staying rooted in its editorial core.
