Mon Jan 27 19:58:41 UTC 2025: ## Zoho Founder Sridhar Vembu Steps Down as CEO to Focus on R&D
**CHENNAI, INDIA** – Sridhar Vembu, founder and former CEO of software giant Zoho Corporation, has stepped down from his CEO role to become the company’s chief scientist. Vembu, who was previously ranked among India’s wealthiest individuals and awarded the Padma Shri, cited the need to focus on research and development, particularly in light of recent advancements in artificial intelligence, as the reason for the transition. He will also continue his personal rural development initiatives.
Co-founder Shailesh Kumar Davey will assume the role of group CEO, while other leadership changes include Tony Thomas leading Zoho US, Rajesh Ganesan heading the ManageEngine division, and Mani Vembu leading the Zoho.com division.
Vembu founded AdventNet (later renamed Zoho) in 1996, building it into a major SaaS provider. His move to a rural area of Tamil Nadu in 2019 reflects his commitment to both technological innovation and rural development. In his announcement, Vembu emphasized the crucial role of R&D in Zoho’s future success, particularly amidst the ongoing AI revolution. Reports last year suggested Zoho was exploring entry into chip manufacturing.
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