SUMMARY
- Mitul Shah, previously Apple India’s consumer sales head, has been appointed MD for Google’s Devices and Services business in India.
- Shah will lead the Pixel smartphone sales and expansion strategies across India.
- Google began manufacturing Pixel smartphones locally earlier this year, aiming to meet domestic demand.
Google has appointed Mitul Shah, a former Apple India executive, as the Managing Director for its Devices and Services business in India. This move highlights Google’s growing focus on expanding its Pixel smartphone sales in the Indian market.
In his new role, Shah will be responsible for driving Pixel’s sales and expansion strategies across India, playing a key part in increasing the device’s market penetration. Shah, who previously served as the Head of Consumer Sales at Apple India, brings a wealth of experience in managing large-scale consumer-focused sales operations.
In a LinkedIn post on November 27, Shah expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “This is a continuation of the mission of putting the world’s best technology in the hands of fellow countrymen and women… Pixel is not just another device. It’s the platform designed to put the immense power and possibilities of AI in everyone’s pocket.”
Google has significantly ramped up its Pixel smartphone operations in India, with locally produced Pixel devices being shipped from Indian manufacturing lines since earlier this year. This move is part of a broader strategy to meet local demand and bolster Google’s position in the competitive smartphone market in India.
Rick Osterloh, Google’s Senior Vice President, had announced in October 2023 that the company had partnered with domestic and international players to assemble Pixel smartphones in India. Osterloh stated,“This is an early step towards expanding the production here to meet the local demand for Pixel devices.”
With Shah’s leadership, Google aims to strengthen the presence of its Pixel smartphones in India, tapping into the country’s growing market for premium devices. By localizing production, Google is also positioning itself to respond more effectively to market demands and cost optimizations.
Shah’s appointment signals Google’s long-term commitment to expanding its Pixel brand in India, with a particular focus on leveraging the country’s growing interest in AI-powered technologies.
