Tue Jan 28 06:02:15 IST 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 field of artificial intelligence (AI). 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 numerous challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid advancements in AI as the primary reason for his decision. He stated his intention to focus full-time on R&D, along with his personal commitment to rural development. He expressed confidence in Zoho’s future, emphasizing the crucial role of R&D in navigating the AI landscape.

This change follows Vembu’s active involvement in India’s national AI initiative, co-chairing a committee responsible for establishing three AI Centers of Excellence focused on healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable cities. The move echoes a similar decision by Freshworks founder Girish Mathrubootham, a former Zoho employee, who stepped down as CEO earlier this year to concentrate on AI development.

Zoho, a privately held and profitable company with over 15,000 employees and 100 million users worldwide, has consistently maintained its independence from venture capital and private equity funding. This approach, according to Vembu, has allowed the company to prioritize long-term customer needs and innovation over short-term profit goals. Founded in 1996 as AdventNet, the company rebranded as Zoho Corporation in 2009 and has since grown into a significant player in the global technology market, offering over 55 applications across various business sectors.

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