Mon Jan 27 16:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu Steps Down, Focuses on R&D and Rural Development

**Chennai, India –** Sridhar Vembu, co-founder and CEO of global technology company Zoho Corp, announced his resignation from the CEO position. He will transition to the role of Chief Scientist, dedicating his time to deep research and development initiatives, particularly in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence. Co-founder Shailesh Kumar Davey will assume the role of group CEO, while another co-founder, Tony Thomas, will lead Zoho’s US operations. Rajesh Ganesan will head the ManageEngine division, and Mani Vembu will lead the Zoho.com division.

Vembu cited the significant challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid advancements in AI as the primary reason for the change. He stated his intention to focus fully on R&D, alongside his personal commitment to rural development projects. He emphasized the critical importance of navigating the AI landscape for Zoho’s future success.

This move follows Vembu’s active involvement in India’s AI initiatives, including co-chairing a government committee tasked with establishing AI Centers of Excellence. His decision echoes a similar move by Freshworks founder Girish Mathrubootham earlier this year, who also stepped down as CEO to concentrate on AI development within his company.

Zoho, a privately held company with over 15,000 employees and 100 million users globally, has consistently prioritized long-term growth over short-term profits, thanks to its unique strategy of avoiding external funding from venture capitalists or private equity firms. Founded in 1996 as AdventNet, the company has grown into a major technology player with over 55 applications across various business sectors. The company’s independence, Vembu has stated, has allowed them to focus on customer needs and innovative solutions.

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