Director - Government Affairs & Public Policy

About the Company:

- Head Digital Works (HDW) is a 19-year-old growth-stage company and the first mover in India's Real Money Gaming (RMG) segment. With a focused portfolio in card-based gaming, rummy continues to be our core growth engine, while poker is positioned as the next high-velocity growth lever.

- Backed by private equity and led by a fully professional team, HDW combines the agility of a start-up with the discipline of a mature, well-governed business. HDW prides itself on account of its business and corporate reputation and maintains the most strongest governance standards in the industry, HDW is now poised for its next chapter in its lifecycle to reimagine the business, culture and consequently reclaim market leadership and deliver sustained value to its stakeholders

About the Role:

- We are looking for an experienced Government Affairs professional who will have the ability to bring in positive influence on shaping public policy for the Indian real-money skill-based gaming Industry.

- S/He should be a strategic and agile thinker with a deep understanding of the political landscape, and the manner in which the government and regulators operate.

- S/He should possess established senior relations in key central ministries (MeitY, MoHA and MOF) and should be well acquainted with regulatory challenges faced by new age digital enterprises.

- This is a leadership role which will require a self-driven person to take ownership and drive HDW's interactions with policy makers, civil society and industry federations on policy issues that matter to HDW's business, its culture and values.

Reporting to: VP & Head Corporate Affairs & Public Policy

Key Performance Indicators (KPI):

Business: Deliver agreed regulatory and policy outcomes that support the business, while advocating proactively to improve ease of doing business in the short-medium term. Ability to influence future policy Demonstrate strong senior level relationships with decision-makers in key states and the centre

Key Responsibilities:

- Policy Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement: Lead HDW's government relations strategy at both national and state levels. Build and nurture relationships with key policymakers, regulators, and industry bodies (e.g., MeitY, MoHA, MIB, State Gaming Authorities).

- Regulatory Strategy & Risk Management: Anticipate, monitor, and respond to regulatory developments impacting the real-money gaming sector. Work closely with Legal and Compliance to ensure business alignment with current and emerging requirements.

- Internal Advisory & Cross-Functional Leadership: Advise HDW's leadership on policy and regulatory matters. Collaborate with product, marketing, and business teams to analyse legislative initiatives, assess risks, and shape company policy positions.

- Reputation & Trust Building: Represent HDW in public forums, industry coalitions, and community outreach. Develop partnerships with think tanks, advocacy groups, and civil society to strengthen HDW's credibility and thought leadership.

Role Requirements:

- 15+ years of experience in government relations, public policy, or regulatory affairs within highly regulated sectors (gaming, fintech, telecom, e-commerce, etc.).

- Deep understanding of the Indian legislative and regulatory landscape, with a strong network across ministries (MeitY, MoHA and MOF), state departments, and regulatory agencies.

- Strong individual contribution and an ability to collaborate effectively with industry members, think tanks, research firms, consulting, and law firms to build robust policy views, submissions, and discussion/position papers.

- Ability to translate policy solutions towards the larger objective of driving business objectives and contribute through strategic planning with cross functional teams

- A cross-functional team player with the ability to drive and manage multiple priorities

- Considerable experience in public policy, with MBA or law degree preferred