Manu Kumar Jain co-founded Jabong.com, a fashion and lifestyle e-commerce portal in India and served as its managing director till January 2014. An IITian, he’s currently the global vice-president of Xiaomi as well as MD of Xiaomi India. In a chat with Suman K. Jha and Avishek Banerjee, he talks about what makes Xiaomi the company it is today. Excerpts:
Xiaomi is probably one of the most innovative companies in the world. And perhaps the fastest growing tech company on the planet. The company is only eight years old. Started in April 2010. A lot of people don’t believe we are an eight-year-old company. If you look at most tech startups in India that are big, they are at least 10-12 years old, including some of the biggest names. So we are younger than most tech startups in the country. The company was started by Le Jun, who is the founder, CEO, and chairman of the company. By the time he turned 35, he was already a multi-billionaire coming from a super poor family. And then he retired. And then he said I need to come back and do something differently. So he came back from his retirement eight years ago to start Xiaomi. The most interesting thing is Xiaomi was not started as a smartphone company but as a software or technology company. The simple philosophy was we will build an operating system which is unique, differentiated, has a lot of features that no other Android phones will provide, is very customisable, and also very user-friendly. So the first one and a half to two years we were just building operating system, not making phones. We started making phones only six to seven years ago.
What is it in the DNA of Xiaomi that explains the kind of rapid expansion the company has undergone in its short existence?
Bu hikaye Businessworld dergisinin September 1st, 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Businessworld dergisinin September 1st, 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Gauging Trumponomics For India
Despite some shortto mediumterm headwinds in trade and immigration, the broader Indo-US vision of counterbalancing China’s influence is expected to ensure continued cooperation under Trump 2.0
Reflections on Consciousness and Creation
Indian-American DEEPAK CHOPRA on the nature of the universe, the digital fabric of existence, and the power of a conscious mind
MORE TAKE TO DRIVING IN STYLE
High-end luxury vehicles are no longer part of a niche market, but a rapidly expanding segment of automobile sales, driven by changing consumer preferences, rising disposable incomes and better infrastructure
India's Growing Affinity for Swiss Watches: A Luxury on the Rise
NDIA'S ROBUST ECONOMIC growth, projected to exceed 6 per cent in 2024 and 2025, is fostering a rising demand for aspirational products. As disposable incomes increase, particularly among the expanding middle class, luxury goods such as Swiss-made watches are gaining popularity.
An ENRiching Outlook
KPMG's latest report shows energy CEOs being optimistic about the sector's outlook. ANISH DE, Global Head, ENRC, KPMG speaks to BW Businessworld's Arjun Yadav on what's driving this confidence
Paving the Path to a Sustainable Future
Salesforce's ESG journey has made an impact beyond the company. SUNYA NORMAN, SVP of ESG Strategy and Engagement at Salesforce, shares more on how the tech giant integrates sustainability into its core operations, supporting global goals while empowering employees
LEADERSHIP TRANSITION AT XIAOMI INDIA
Xiaomi India is experiencing a leadership evolution, beginning with Muralikrishnan B's departure as President by the end of 2024. This change underscores Xiaomi's shift towards nurturing local talent amidst dynamic global shifts. The story tracks key transitions from Manu Kumar Jain's leadership to Muralikrishnan B's impactful tenure, along with recent strategic hires, highlighting Xiaomi's alignment towards market adaptability and consumer focus
WEAVING SUSTAINABILITY
Once a modest home textile manufacturer, Jindal Worldwide has evolved into a vertically integrated textile powerhouse, spanning critical segments of the yarn and fabric value chain
FORCE FOR GOOD
FY24 saw capacity expansions for Century Enka in nylon and polyester segments, along with investments in modernisation, renewable energy, and safety initiatives
REIMAGINING TOMORROW
For V-Guard, tomorrow signifies progress, driven by today's actions, setting the foundation for future growth and value creation for all stakeholders
