Former Apple exec Mitul Shah to lead Google’s Pixel biz in India

In a strategic move to enhance its footprint in India’s premium smartphone market, Google has appointed Mitul Shah, a former Apple India executive, as the Managing Director for its devices and services division. Shah, who previously led consumer sales at Apple India, brings a wealth of experience in the tech industry and will now spearhead the expansion of Google’s Pixel smartphones in India.

Shah shared his excitement on LinkedIn, describing the Pixel as more than just a device—it’s a platform designed to harness the power of AI and bring it to users' fingertips. He is eager to work on delivering AI-driven experiences that can transform the smartphone experience for millions of users in India.

India, the world’s second-largest smartphone market, presents significant growth opportunities for Google. Despite this, the Pixel currently holds a modest 0.04 percent share of the market, according to Counterpoint Research. With the demand for premium smartphones on the rise, Google is looking to position the Pixel as a strong competitor in this space.

Google has already taken steps to bolster its local presence by assembling the Pixel 8 in India through Wowtek Technology India as part of the government's "Make in India" initiative. Additionally, the Pixel 9 series was launched with upgrades, including international warranty support, appealing to users across the country.

This strategic hiring signals Google’s increased focus on India, leveraging Shah's experience to drive growth and expand the availability of Pixel smartphones. With Shah’s leadership, the company aims to establish Pixel as a go-to choice for AI-powered smartphones in India’s rapidly evolving tech market.