In a strategic move reflecting the evolving landscape of technology, Sridhar Vembu, the founder of Zoho Corp, has announced his decision to step down as the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

He will now assume the role of Chief Scientist, dedicating his efforts to advancing research and development (R&D) in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This transition underscores Zoho’s commitment to innovation and adapting to emerging technological trends.

With Vembu’s shift in focus, Shailesh Kumar Davey, co-founder of Zoho, will take over as the new Group CEO. Additionally, Tony Thomas has been appointed to lead Zoho’s U.S. operations, while Rajesh Ganesan will head the ManageEngine division, and Mani Vembu will oversee the Zoho.com division. This reorganization aims to streamline operations and position the company for future growth.

In his announcement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Vembu emphasized the dual focus of his new role, “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.”

This statement highlights Vembu’s dedication not only to technological advancement but also to societal impact, particularly in rural areas.

Zoho Corp has a longstanding reputation for innovation in the software industry. Vembu’s transition to Chief Scientist is expected to bolster the company’s R&D capabilities, particularly in AI, ensuring that Zoho remains at the forefront of technological advancements. This move is anticipated to lead to the development of cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses worldwide.

As Vembu steps into his new role, the focus will be on navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid advancements in AI. His hands-on involvement in R&D is poised to drive Zoho’s innovation strategy, ensuring the company continues to deliver value to its customers while contributing to technological progress and rural development.

Key Highlights:

• Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho Corp, has stepped down as CEO to become the company’s Chief Scientist, focusing on AI research and rural development.
• Co-founder Shailesh Kumar Davey has been appointed as the new Group CEO, with other leadership roles also realigned.
• Vembu’s transition underscores Zoho’s commitment to innovation and addressing emerging technological challenges.
• The company aims to leverage advancements in AI to develop cutting-edge solutions for businesses globally.