Name: Pushkar | Designation: Staff Software Engineer and Engineering Lead | Company: Google Ads | Location: Mountain View, California, USA
From the sacred streets of Haridwar to the innovation hub of Silicon Valley, Pushkar Singh’s journey defies convention and redefines ambition. Born in the spiritual heartland of Uttarakhand and raised amidst the urban hustle of Gurgaon, Haryana, Pushkar carved a career path driven by an insatiable curiosity for technology.
Unlike many who go abroad to pursue higher education, Pushkar took a bold leap directly into the global tech arena. He joined Google’s Mountain View headquarters to work in advanced AI environments often dominated by professionals with PhDs and advanced degrees. “In this field, especially at a company like Google, those advanced degrees are often the norm. So, I faced not just the technical challenges of AI but also a fair bit of skepticism,” he shares with Global Indian. “I could sense the doubts about whether I could truly contribute to critical AI/ML roles without those credentials.”
However, Pushkar’s passion for learning turned that skepticism into confidence. “I didn’t just survive in this competitive field; I thrived,” he remarks. His ability to adapt and innovate propelled him to new heights, proving that determination and talent can outshine traditional qualifications.
Today, as a Staff Software Engineer and Engineering Lead for the Keywordless Ads team at Google, Pushkar spearheads transformative advancements in digital advertising, leading a team of elite AI/ML engineers. “Managing brilliant engineers, many with PhDs, and being responsible for products that have a real business impact has been a rewarding journey,” he says. “It validated my abilities and proved that results speak louder than degrees. It was about earning respect, showing I could not just keep pace in the fast-moving AI world, but also innovate and lead.”
Major Milestones
- Academic distinction: Graduated second in class from IIT Hyderabad. Completed research internships at Microsoft Research and Kyushu University, and built a career in AI.
- Competitive programming success: Ranked second internationally in TCS CodeVita and consistently emerged among India’s top performers in various contests.
- Transition to global opportunities: Moved to Google Mountain View headquarters in 2017 after working for two years in Bangalore, gained advanced opportunities in AI-driven advertising.
- Key Google AI contributions: Co-founded and launched Performance Max (PMax), developed the Thematic Final URL Expansion feature, Pioneered creative-based targeting AI models, and revolutionized keywordless targeting enhancing search advertising reach.
- Recognition and accolades: Received Google Ads Tech Impact Award and Google Ads Excellence Award for Innovation.
Early life and aspirations
As a young student, Pushkar had a keen interest in technology, inspired by the potential of innovation to solve real-world problems. “Technology has always been a bridge for me, connecting abstract ideas to impactful solutions,” he shares. This passion led him to pursue engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad, where he graduated with distinction, ranking second in his class in 2015. “My time at IIT was formative. It wasn’t just about academics but about discovering the intersection of creativity and problem-solving,” he adds.
During his time at IIT, he was also involved in two research internships that sparked his interest in AI: one at Microsoft Research in Bangalore in 2014, where he built a prototype AI model for understanding user context which later got productionized by the Cortana team, and another at Kyushu University in Japan in 2013. As a computer science student, Pushkar aspired to one day work at the Silicon Valley, a dream that he fulfilled a few years later.
The leap to Silicon Valley
“Silicon Valley, the epicenter of technological innovation, has always been a dream,” says Pushkar. His professional journey began in Bangalore, where he joined Google as a Software Engineer in 2015. “Google provided a perfect platform to apply my academic knowledge to real-world challenges,” he explains. During his two years at the Bangalore office, he contributed to significant projects such as developing auto-capitalization and improving spell-check algorithms for Google Docs. These experiences laid the groundwork for his eventual move to the U.S. in 2017.
“The opportunities in AI and Ads at Google’s Mountain View headquarters motivated me,” he recalls. The shift was driven by a desire to be at the heart of innovation, where teams tackle large-scale, impactful problems. “The move wasn’t just about advancing my career but also about embracing a culture of innovation and collaboration,” he shares. It was in Silicon Valley that Pushkar found the resources, mentorship, and exposure to take his professional ambitions to the next level.
A career built on innovation
At Google Pushkar’s work focuses on developing and scaling Google’s flagship ad products, Performance Max (PMax) and Dynamic Search Ads (DSA). “These products are at the cutting edge of how businesses connect with their customers online,” he explains. PMax alone has become a cornerstone of Google Ads, generating tens of billions of dollars annually.
Pushkar’s leadership is multifaceted, and combines strategic vision, technical expertise, and mentorship. “A typical day involves road mapping, designing machine learning systems, reviewing algorithms, and creating a collaborative environment,” he notes. Mentoring team members, many of whom hold PhDs, is a responsibility he takes pride in. “It’s fulfilling to guide and learn from some of the brightest minds in the field,” he adds.
His approach to leadership is rooted in collaboration. “Great ideas rarely come from working in silos,” Pushkar believes. He emphasizes open communication within his team and creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed. “Innovation thrives in a culture of respect and curiosity,” he states.
Milestones in AI and Advertising
Performance Max (PMax): “As a founding member, I developed the AI models for Keywordless Ads Targeting. PMax has grown from zero to tens of billions in revenue since 2021,” he states. This innovation allows businesses to target user queries without relying on keywords, revolutionizing digital advertising. His contributions to PMax were recognized with the Google Ads Tech Impact Award, a highly prestigious internal honour given to a select few engineers.
Thematic Final URL Expansion: Pushkar has conceptualized, developed, and launched the Thematic Final URL Expansion feature for PMax “This feature uses AI to match user queries with the most relevant landing pages, even those not explicitly linked by advertisers,” he explains. Its widespread adoption has driven billions in revenue and earned Pushkar the Google Ads Excellence Award for Innovation.
Creative Asset-Based Targeting: Pushkar led the development of AI models that interpret multimedia assets, such as videos and images, for ad targeting. “This approach enables advertisers to express intent through creative content, simplifying campaign management and boosting performance,” he shares. This feature has become a critical revenue driver for Google. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work has not only simplified the lives of advertisers but also played a key role in developing a more intelligent and intuitive way to connect businesses with their target audiences,” he says.
Keywordless Targeting for Tail Queries: “Around 15% of online searches are tail queries—unique, low-volume queries that traditional systems often miss,” he explains. Pushkar’s AI solution effectively targets these queries, unlocking untapped opportunities for advertisers.
Excelling in competitive programming internationally
Pushkar’s early days as a competitive programmer sharpened his problem-solving skills. “One of my proudest accomplishments was securing the second rank internationally in TCS CodeVita, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest programming competition.” This achievement placed him among India’s top competitive programmers. He also ranked 3rd in India at the CodeSprint India 2014 finals, became a Candidate Master on Codeforces with a peak rating of 1964, and was placed 9th globally and 3rd in India in the 2014 Codechef Long contest. “These successes not only brought recognition but also sharpened my problem-solving skills, deepened my understanding of algorithms and data structures, and taught me to excel under pressure—skills that have greatly benefited my career in AI,” he remarks.
Turning challenges into triumphs
Breaking into AI without a traditional academic background was one of Pushkar’s biggest challenges. “I didn’t have a Master’s or PhD, which are often seen as prerequisites in this field,” he mentions. However, his dedication to continuous learning and practical experience helped him overcome initial skepticism. “Results speak louder than degrees,” he asserts, reflecting on how his contributions earned him respect in the field.
One of the most significant hurdles was leading teams with members who held more advanced degrees. “Being in a leadership position among PhDs tested my confidence initially,” he admits. However, his ability to deliver results and foster collaboration built trust and respect within his teams.
Goal – To empower small businesses with AI
Pushkar is deeply passionate about democratizing AI for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). “SMBs are the backbone of our economy, yet many lack access to advanced technology,” he emphasizes.
His current career goal is to democratize access to cutting-edge AI in digital advertising for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), which are the backbone of economies worldwide. “In the US, SMBs make up 99.9% of industries and employ nearly half the workforce, while in India, they account for 96% of industrial units and contribute 33% of GDP. Yet, many SMBs struggle with resource constraints and technology adoption, leading to high failure rates. Nearly half fail within five years in the US, and over 10,000 Indian MSMEs closed in 2022-23 alone,” he says.
He believes that AI can revolutionize this space by offering tools that optimize ad campaigns, identify target audiences, and tailor content with precision, empowering SMBs to compete with larger corporations. His mission is to level the playing field, enabling these businesses to grow sustainably, connect with customers effectively, and thrive in the digital age.
Leading a balanced life
For Pushkar, maintaining a work-life balance is essential. His day begins with yoga and meditation. “This routine is non-negotiable as it energizes me and sets a positive tone for the day,” he shares. Thereafter, in between his work, he makes a conscious effort to take short breaks to recharge—whether it’s a quick walk or simply stepping away from my desk to clear his mind. “After work, I like to unwind by catching up on reading, spending time with friends or family, or pursuing hobbies like pickleball, watching movies or board games that help me disconnect from the workday.”
A mix of structured work hours and dedicated personal time helps him maintain a healthy balance, ensuring he stays productive and inspired without feeling burned out. Pushkar also emphasizes the importance of disconnecting to reconnect with oneself. His holistic approach to work-life balance has been instrumental in sustaining his productivity and creativity.
Insights developed through experience
- Adaptability is vital: Embrace change and continuously upskill to stay relevant in the fast-evolving tech industry. “That constant need to upskill keeps you on your toes!”
- Collaboration drives success: Effective teamwork is more impactful than individual effort. “Team work makes the dream work.”
- Prioritization prevents burnout: Focus on high-impact tasks and avoid trying to do everything at once. “I’m a firm believer in the 80/20 principle, focusing my energy on the 20% of tasks that yield 80% of the results.”
- Balance is essential: Make time for personal well-being and hobbies to maintain productivity and happiness. “Balance has become my mantra.”
- Resilience is key: View setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as failures. “I detach my self-worth from specific outcomes and to see every experience, even failures, as a chance to learn.”
- Success is a journey: It’s about continuous learning, strategic decisions, and self-care.” My journey is ongoing, and I’m excited to see what the future brings,” he mentions.
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