Google ropes in ex-Apple India sales head to run Pixel device sales & services

'It's an honour to be part of a company that's at the forefront of innovation, and I'm particularly thrilled to be working on a product that has the potential to put the magic and power of AI in the pockets of millions of people across my beloved country,' said Mitul Shah.

2024 has been a milestone year for Google as it rolled out all the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro Fold variants and also began assembling premium Pixel 8 series phones.

Also, Google opened the company's first fully owned walk-in service centre in Bengaluru and Delhi. It is planning to expand to Mumbai soon. In addition, Google also partnered with Croma and Reliance Digital to sell Pixel devices in India.

Now, the search engine giant has roped in Apple India's former Consumer Sales Head Mitul Shah to lead as managing director of Google Devices and Services in the subcontinent.

"I am happy to share that I've started an exciting new journey with Google as Managing Director for Devices & Services Business - leading Pixel’s sales and expansion efforts in India. It's an honor to be part of a company that's at the forefront of innovation, and I'm particularly thrilled to be working on a product that has the potential to put the magic and power of AI in the pockets of millions of people across my beloved country (sic)," said Mitul Shah on LinkedIn.

Google's move shows the company's strong intent to expand Pixel's market share in India, which is currently very minuscule compared to Apple. By the way, the latter has yet to breach the top five bracket in terms of units shipped (as per IDC's 2024Q3 report).

However, the Cupertino-based company is not that far behind Xiaomi, the fifth biggest smartphone maker in India.

Apple has a headstart over Google, as it has already set up two physical stores: one each in Mumbai and Delhi, which are minting close to Rs 210 crore revenue per annum.

Also, the iPhone units shipment in terms of value for both the local market and exports to International regions recently breached $10 billion and is expected to grow stronger in the next fiscal year.

And, for 2025, Apple has already announced four new Apple Stores including in Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi-NCR and Mumbai.

With Google hiring former Apple India's sales head, the company shows intent to scale up retail and service centres to increase Pixel phone's market share in the highly competitive premium segment in the Indian smartphone market.

Get the latest news on new launches, gadget reviews, apps, cybersecurity, and more on personal technology only on DH Tech