In a significant leadership update from Xiaomi India, the company has announced that Muralikrishnan B, its current president, will step down at the end of 2024. After six transformative years at the tech giant, Murali—widely recognized for his strategic acumen and calm leadership—has decided to pursue an executive doctorate in management, focusing on “Consumer Behaviour on Technology Platforms.” This new chapter marks a shift from his executive role to academia, although he will continue to support Xiaomi India as an independent strategic advisor.
Murali’s departure represents not just the end of his executive journey with Xiaomi but also a deepened commitment to understanding consumer behavior in the digital age. Here’s a look at his contributions, the impact of his tenure, and what lies ahead for Xiaomi India and Murali himself.
Credits: The Financial Express
Murali’s Journey with Xiaomi: Transforming India’s Tech Landscape
Muralikrishnan B joined Xiaomi India in 2018, stepping into various roles before becoming the president in 2022. Initially serving as the chief operating officer (COO), Murali was instrumental in building and refining Xiaomi’s presence in India. His tenure has seen Xiaomi rise as a key player in the smartphone and technology ecosystem, connecting millions of Indian consumers to Xiaomi’s suite of innovative products.
As COO, and later as president, Murali helped drive Xiaomi’s growth trajectory, cementing it as a household name in India’s tech space. His leadership ensured that Xiaomi remained agile in an increasingly competitive market, fostering strong ties with Indian consumers and expanding Xiaomi’s footprint beyond smartphones to other categories, including smart TVs, wearables, and lifestyle products.
Under Murali’s leadership, Xiaomi India also navigated a complex regulatory environment, with strategic public affairs efforts helping the brand stay ahead. From scaling local manufacturing to boosting the brand’s affordability in the market, Murali’s contributions to Xiaomi’s success are deeply embedded in the company’s Indian journey.
Credits: Gadgets 360
Why Academia? Murali’s New Focus on Consumer Behaviour
After years of hands-on leadership, Murali is preparing to focus on the evolving field of consumer behavior, specifically on technology platforms. The executive doctorate he will pursue aims to delve into this rapidly changing arena, allowing him to gain insights that could influence both academia and the business world.
Murali’s shift to academia underscores a broader industry trend where executives seek to understand the nuanced, shifting behaviors of digital consumers. In an era where technology and consumer habits evolve swiftly, Murali’s research could provide fresh perspectives on how brands engage, adapt, and thrive within complex, tech-driven markets.
Reflecting on his time at Xiaomi, Murali called his journey “one of the most fulfilling chapters” of his career, expressing gratitude for the support from Xiaomi’s leadership, team members, and partners. His deep appreciation for Xiaomi’s core values of sincerity and passion resonates with those who have witnessed his calm and strategic approach to challenges.
Continuity and Transition: Xiaomi’s Leadership in India
Although Murali’s successor has not yet been named, Xiaomi India remains confident in its leadership structure. Sudhin Mathur, who currently serves as chief operating officer, will continue to oversee operations, alongside CFO Sameer Rao, CPO Varun Madan, and CMO Anuj Sharma. This seasoned leadership team is expected to steer Xiaomi’s future in India, advancing its mission of innovation and growth.
Xiaomi just commemorated its tenth anniversary in India, a noteworthy achievement that demonstrates its established presence in one of its most crucial regions. Under Murali’s direction, Xiaomi gained the trust of millions of Indian customers while also fortifying its brand. Senior vice president and head of Xiaomi’s International Business Department Adam Zeng thanked Murali, pointing him that his work was essential to Xiaomi’s success in India.
Xiaomi has experienced remarkable success in India under Murali’s direction, staying a major force in the technology sector and providing millions of people with access to cutting-edge goods. We are incredibly grateful for his efforts, and we are more dedicated than ever to India’s progress,” Zeng said.
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