Poco India Chief Himanshu Tandon Exits, Potential Move to Nothing Led by Carl Pei
Himanshu Tandon, the head of Poco India, has reportedly left the Xiaomi sub-brand to join Nothing, a tech startup co-founded by Carl Pei, formerly of OnePlus. Tandon took charge of Poco India in 2022 and has played a crucial role in the brand’s growth in a competitive market. His departure comes as Xiaomi faces increasing challenges from rivals such as Vivo, Samsung, and Oppo, which have been gaining market share in India.
Transition to Nothing’s CMF Division
According to a report from Moneycontrol, Tandon’s resignation from Poco India has been confirmed by unnamed sources. He is expected to lead the CMF division at Nothing, a UK-based technology startup. This move follows the recent exit of Xiaomi President Muralikrishnan B, indicating a period of significant leadership changes within the company. As Poco India navigates this transition, the brand’s future direction remains uncertain.
Gadgets 360 has reached out to both Poco India and Nothing for comments regarding Tandon’s departure. Updates will be provided as responses are received. The timing of Tandon’s exit is notable, especially as Xiaomi has been struggling in the Indian market, with a reported annual growth decline of 25 percent in smartphone shipments for Q2 2025, according to market research firm Canalys.
Xiaomi’s Market Challenges
Xiaomi’s challenges in India have become increasingly apparent, with the company reportedly shipping 5 million handsets in Q2 2025, securing a market share of 13 percent. In contrast, competitors like Vivo and Oppo have seen significant growth, with Vivo leading the market with 8.1 million shipments and a 21 percent market share. These figures include shipments from their respective sub-brands, iQOO and Poco.
The competitive landscape in the Indian smartphone market is intensifying, and Xiaomi’s decline in growth raises questions about its strategy moving forward. As rivals continue to capture market share, the company will need to reassess its approach to regain its footing in this dynamic environment.
Industry Insights on Tandon’s Departure
Industry experts have weighed in on Tandon’s move to Nothing, highlighting the potential benefits for both parties. Tarun Pathak, Director at Counterpoint Research, noted that Tandon’s experience at Poco India has equipped him with a deep understanding of the tech ecosystem. He emphasized that Tandon’s leadership could be a significant asset for Nothing, especially as the startup expands its presence in both online and offline markets.
Prabhu Ram, VP at CyberMedia Research, echoed these sentiments, stating that Tandon’s successful tenure at Poco has strengthened the brand’s appeal among younger consumers. However, he cautioned that Poco must quickly recalibrate its strategy to maintain its growth momentum in the face of increasing competition. The coming months will be crucial for both Poco and Nothing as they navigate these changes in the tech landscape.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
