Google hires ex-Apple executive Mitul Shah to lead Pixel's sale and expansion efforts in India

Google has appointed former Apple India executive Mitul Shah as the Managing Director for its devices and services business in the country. Shah, who previously led consumer sales at Apple India, brings over nine years of experience in the tech industry and is now roped in to lead the expansion of Google's Pixel smartphones in India.

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening its presence in India's premium smartphone market, Google has appointed former Apple India executive Mitul Shah as the Managing Director for its devices and services business in the country. Shah, who previously led consumer sales at Apple India, brings over nine years of experience in the tech industry and is now roped in to lead the expansion of Google’s Pixel smartphones in India.

Shah expressed his excitement about the new role on LinkedIn, stating, "Pixel is not just another device. It's the platform designed to put the immense power and possibilities of AI in everyone’s pocket." He added that he looks forward to working on a product that has the potential to bring AI-driven experiences to millions of people in India.

Google's decision to bring Shah onboard highlights its growing ambitions in India, the world’s second-largest smartphone market. Despite its vast population, Google's Pixel devices currently hold a mere 0.04 percent market share in India, according to data from Counterpoint Research. With the rising demand for premium smartphones in the country, the tech giant is keen to position Pixel as a strong contender in this segment.

This hiring follows Google's recent initiatives to boost its local presence, including the assembly of the Pixel 8 in India through Wowtek Technology India, aligning with the government’s "Make in India" program. However, this move does not extend to other models like the Pixel 8a. Additionally, the launch of the Pixel 9 series in India saw the introduction of new features such as international warranty support, allowing users to access services regardless of where they purchased their device. The new Pixel 9 series also made its debut with multiple notable upgrades in areas like camera, chipset and design, giving people a competent option in this already crowded smartphone market.

Google’s decision to tap into Shah’s experience suggests a renewed focus on the Indian market, where premium devices are increasingly in demand. By using his expertise, the company aims to scale up the availability of Pixel smartphones and deliver AI-driven experiences to a larger audience across the country.