Google Cloud has announced the appointment of Karthik Narain as its new Chief Product and Business Officer, a strategic move that underscores the company’s focus on advancing artificial intelligence-driven solutions for global enterprises. The appointment, welcomed by Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian, marks a significant leadership addition at a time when the cloud division continues to post strong growth worldwide.
In his new role, Narain will lead Google Cloud’s product and engineering teams across multiple business units, including infrastructure, developer tools, data technologies, and applied AI. He will also oversee global go-to-market operations and the public sector business, aligning product innovation with client needs and regional priorities.
Thomas Kurian described Narain’s appointment as a critical step in Google Cloud’s mission to accelerate enterprise transformation. He said Narain’s deep understanding of client operations and his expertise in scaling technology platforms would help Google Cloud bridge product development with market execution. Kurian added that Narain’s “proven leadership in driving enterprise modernization and AI adoption” would play a central role in shaping the next phase of Google Cloud’s growth.
Sundar Pichai echoed this sentiment, noting that Narain’s arrival would strengthen the company’s efforts to help organizations unlock the potential of generative AI. Pichai stated that Narain would collaborate closely with customers to “help transform their businesses with AI” and contribute to the company’s broader mission of making AI accessible, reliable, and beneficial for all sectors.
Before joining Google Cloud, Karthik Narain served as Chief Technology Officer at Accenture, where he led large-scale digital transformation programs and AI-driven modernization projects for global enterprises. Over his 25-year career, he has worked with major organizations across technology, software, automotive, and manufacturing industries, focusing on cloud adoption, platform engineering, and digital operations. His tenure at Accenture included leadership roles in strategy, consulting, and product innovation, helping clients integrate emerging technologies to achieve business agility.
Narain began his career in technology consulting and spent nearly a decade at HCLTech before joining Accenture. He holds a Master’s degree in Computer Systems and Business from Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India.
In a statement following his appointment, Narain expressed enthusiasm about joining Google Cloud at what he called “a defining moment for AI and enterprise technology.” He said the role presents an opportunity to combine his engineering experience with Google’s world-class technology stack to create meaningful value for businesses and governments worldwide. He emphasized his goal of ensuring that AI innovation translates into practical, secure, and scalable solutions for customers.
Industry experts have noted that this leadership addition signals Google Cloud’s intent to further integrate product management, engineering, and business development functions under unified leadership. This approach is seen as essential for sustaining momentum in the competitive cloud market, where the ability to deliver AI-enabled solutions at scale is now a key differentiator.
Narain’s experience in advising large organizations on cloud migration and AI adoption aligns closely with Google Cloud’s current priorities. The company has recently expanded its product suite to include enhanced generative AI tools for developers, data analytics services, and sector-specific solutions for industries such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Analysts suggest that Narain’s leadership could strengthen these offerings by bringing a customer-centric perspective rooted in enterprise consulting.
Google Cloud has reported consistent revenue growth in recent quarters. In the second quarter of 2025, it recorded approximately 13.6 billion USD in revenue, marking a 32 percent year-on-year increase. The company remains the third-largest cloud services provider globally, behind Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, but continues to narrow the gap through innovation and partnerships.
Observers also point to the strategic timing of Narain’s appointment, coinciding with Google Cloud’s focus on deepening its footprint in emerging markets, including India. With Narain’s Indian heritage and global experience, he is expected to play a key role in expanding collaborations with local enterprises, government bodies, and digital transformation initiatives. His experience in driving partnerships between Accenture and Google Cloud in the past—focused on AI solutions and talent development—is seen as an advantage in strengthening ecosystem synergies.
The appointment reflects Google Cloud’s ongoing efforts to combine product excellence with business transformation capabilities. By bringing a seasoned leader who understands both technology architecture and client needs, the company aims to accelerate innovation while maintaining enterprise trust and governance standards.
As global demand for AI-powered cloud services continues to rise, Karthik Narain’s leadership is expected to guide Google Cloud through its next phase of growth. His dual focus on product engineering and business strategy may help the company translate its technical strengths into long-term customer impact, reinforcing its position as a leading player in the enterprise technology landscape.