Head of Public Policy

Role - Head of Public Policy 

Location - Mumbai/Gurgaon 

Role Description

The Head of Public Policy and Government Relations is a strategic leadership role responsible for shaping and advancing PayU’s growth agenda through effective engagement with government, regulatory bodies and key stakeholders. The role will lead the design and execution of PayU’s public policy strategy, working collaboratively with national and state governments, regulators, public sector institutions and industry partners. The mandate is to influence policy and regulatory frameworks that enable a fair, competitive and growth-oriented environment for PayU’s current and future businesses.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Policy Leadership: Design, refine and execute PayU’s public policy and government affairs strategy in close partnership with the CEO and senior business leaders, ensuring alignment with the company’s commercial priorities and long-term growth agenda.
• Regulatory Intelligence: Monitor political, regulatory and policy developments at national and state levels, identifying risks and opportunities for PayU. Provide timely insights, analysis and recommendations to guide business strategy and regulatory positioning.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build, strengthen and manage relationships with key government institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, RBI, central and state departments, and other public sector bodies. Articulate PayU’s value proposition to enhance trust and credibility.
• Advocacy & Representation: Engage consistently with lawmakers, regulators and policy makers to shape policy outcomes and regulatory approaches that support PayU’s business interests and competitive advantage.
• External Communication: Develop and deliver clear, compelling policy communication and thought leadership aligned with business priorities and PayU’s global brand, enhancing the company’s reputation in the policy and regulatory ecosystem.
• Executive Interface Management: Identify senior government stakeholders for engagement with PayU leadership and establish the appropriate communication channels, ensuring strategic and well-coordinated outreach.
• Regulatory Briefings: Ensure regular, well-structured interactions between PayU business leaders and relevant regulatory authorities, enabling transparent dialogue and proactive issue management.
• Third-Party Management: Select, onboard and manage external government affairs advisors, industry associations, trade bodies, diplomatic missions and civil society partners to strengthen PayU’s advocacy and influence.
• Industry Collaboration: Cultivate relationships with ecosystem participants—including banks, partners, and where permissible, competitors—to understand industry dynamics and coordinate collective positions on key policy issues.
• Public Representation: Represent PayU at conferences, public forums, legislative hearings, association committees and industry roundtables to advance PayU’s viewpoints and elevate its public policy profile.
• Risk Assessment: Identify emerging regulatory shifts, political and reputational risks, providing early warnings and ensuring alignment with leadership to mitigate potential impact on the business.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Work closely with legal, compliance, product, risk and business teams to integrate policy considerations into planning and execution, ensuring the organization is well-prepared for regulatory shifts.

Ideal Experience

• 15+ years of experience in public policy, government affairs, or international public affairs roles
• Deep network with India’s regulatory, government and administrative authorities, supported by an active and credible network of senior government and regulatory stakeholders.
• Must have strong understanding of financial services, technology, or the digital payments ecosystem; acumen and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.
• Strong experience in high-growth financial services organisations, preferably in roles requiring regular interaction with regulators or policy-influencing stakeholders.
• Expertise in strategic advocacy, stakeholder management and policy communication, with the ability to craft persuasive narratives and influence diverse audiences.
• Exceptional interpersonal, representational and presentation skills, combined with a confident and authoritative communication style across written, verbal and public forums.
• Ability to operate independently while leading a high-performing team and collaborating effectively with cross-functional partners in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.