Tue Jan 28 02:17:16 IST 2025: ## Zoho Founder Sridhar Vembu Steps Down as CEO, Takes on Chief Scientist Role

**CHENNAI, INDIA –** Sridhar Vembu, founder and CEO of the highly successful software company Zoho Corp, has announced his resignation from the CEO position. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vembu stated he will transition to the role of Chief Scientist, focusing on research and development, particularly in light of recent advancements in artificial intelligence.

Vembu cited the need to dedicate his full attention to R&D initiatives, alongside his personal commitment to rural development. Co-founder Shailesh Kumar Davey will succeed Vembu as CEO, while another co-founder, Tony Thomas, will lead Zoho US. Rajesh Ganesan will head the ManageEngine division and Mani Vembu will lead the Zoho.com division.

The move comes as no surprise given Vembu’s longstanding passion for sustainable development and the rural economy. He will continue to oversee deep R&D projects within the company, emphasizing the importance of innovation in Zoho’s future. Vembu, who holds a PhD in electrical engineering from Princeton University, founded Zoho, a privately held cloud-based software firm, and remains a majority shareholder alongside his siblings. Forbes estimates his net worth at $5.8 billion. He is also known for his philanthropic endeavors, including funding a school for rural children in Tamil Nadu and running Zoho University, an in-house institution that trains and employs numerous students.

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