Google ropes in former Apple executive Mitul Shah to lead Pixel's expansion efforts in India

Mitul Shah, Managing Director - Google Devices & Services, India

Google has appointed former Apple India executive Mitul Shah as the managing director for its devices and services business in India, as the internet giant looks to ramp up Pixel smartphone business in the country.

In this role, Shah will be responsible for Pixel's sales and expansion efforts in this country.

"It's an honor to be part of a company that's at the forefront of innovation, and I'm particularly thrilled to be working on a product that has the potential to put the magic and power of AI in the pockets of millions of people across my beloved country" Shah said in a LinkedIn post on November 27. "Pixel is not just another device. It's the platform designed to put the immense power and possibilities of AI in everyone’s pocket."

The appointment comes just months after Google began rolling out locally made Pixel smartphones in India, starting with the Pixel 8, giving a boost to the country's ambitions of becoming a global manufacturing hub.

The firm announced its plans to manufacture Pixel smartphones in India, starting with Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, in October 2023.

Google is looking to scale up its Pixel business in the country to capitalise on the rising demand for premium smartphones among consumers in the world's second-largest smartphone market. The initiative will help make Pixel smartphones more widely available across the country, the company has said.

Pixel had just 0.04 percent share of the Indian smartphone market in the March quarter, data by market research firm Counterpoint Research shows.

Before joining Google, Shah served as the head of consumer sales for Apple in India. He spent over nine years with the iPhone maker, holding multiple roles during his tenure.

"To everyone who has asked me in the last few weeks, why "switch" from Apple? This is not a switch. This is a continuation of the mission of putting world's best technology in the hands of fellow countrymen and women. I couldn't be more fortunate to have an opportunity to deliver transformative power of AI and meaningful experiences to Indian consumers, with an immensely committed and talented team" Shah said.

India is Google's largest market in terms of users and a critical region for its future growth, especially the company's AI efforts.

"India is one of the most dynamic and tech-savvy countries on the planet. AI will positively change the lives of millions of Indians. It will amplify creativity, elevate productivity, and unlock endless possibilities that enrich everyday lives" Shah said.