Billionaire Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu takes surprising decision, resigns as CEO, will now work as…

Shailesh Kumar Davey has been appointed as the new CEO.

Written by: Tahir Qureshi Edited by: Tahir Qureshi

Updated: January 27, 2025, 6:41 PM IST

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https://www.india.com/news/zoho-founder-sridhar-vembu-steps-down-as-ceo-will-undertake-new-responsibility-7570695/ Copy

New Delhi: The founder of Zoho Corp Sridhar Vembu has stepped down from the post of the CEO of the software company, signalling a major shift in the leadership for the company.

Sridhar Vembu posted on X: “A new chapter begins today. In view of the various challenges and opportunities facing us, including recent major developments in AI, it has been decided that it is best that I should focus full time on R&D initiatives, along with pursuing my personal rural development mission. I will step down as CEO of Zoho Corp and take a new role as Chief Scientist, responsible for deep R&D initiatives. Our co-founder Shailesh Kumar Davey will serve as our new group CEO. Our co-founder Tony Thomas will lead Zoho US. Rajesh Ganesan will lead our ManageEngine division and Mani Vembu will lead the http://Zoho.com division. The future of our company entirely depends on how well we navigate the R&D challenge and I am looking forward to my new assignment with energy and vigor. I am also very happy to get back to hands on technical work. 🙏”.

A new chapter begins today.

In view of the various challenges and opportunities facing us, including recent major developments in AI, it has been decided that it is best that I should focus full time on R&D initiatives, along with pursuing my personal rural development mission.…

— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) January 27, 2025

Shailesh Kumar Davey, Zoho’s co-founder, has been appointed as the new CEO as Vembu said that this changeover is a strategic move to ensure that the company can confront pressing technological challenges while maintaining its competitive edge.

Vembu highlighted that his new role as Chief Scientist and responsibilities for deep R&D initiatives aligns with the company’s broader priorities.

“The future of our company entirely depends on how well we navigate the R&D challenge. I am looking forward to my new assignment with energy and vigor. I am also very happy to get back to hands-on technical work,” said Vembu who is widely recognized for his commitment to sustainable development and uplifting rural economies.

The announcement highlights Zoho’s focus on navigating the evolving tech landscape, especially with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.

Among other changes under this new set-up, Zoho’s co-founder Tony Thomas will oversee Zoho’s US operations, Rajesh Ganesan will lead the ManageEngine division, and Mani Vembu will head the Zoho.com division.