BACK AT THE TOP

The story of how MURALIKRISHNAN B. engineered the spectacular comeback of Xiaomi India

- Sahil Mohan Gupta

OFTEN CLAD in business casuals, radiating a calm demeanour accentuated by a greying beard and spectacles, Muralikrishnan B belies the intense focus that has steered Xiaomi back to the pinnacle of India’s smartphone market. Under his leadership, Xiaomi has navigated tumultuous phases, reclaiming its position as the number one smartphone brand in India.

BW Businessworld caught up with Murali, as he is fondly known by colleagues, on the sidelines of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon For India event, where it hosted the global launch of the Snapdragon 4S Gen 2 5G-enabled processor. During this event, Muralikrishnan announced that Xiaomi India will be the first manufacturer to bring a product with the chipset to India later this year, enabling the most affordable 5G smartphone in India, costing less than Rs 10,000.

The Early Years

Muralikrishnan’s journey with Xiaomi began in 2018 when he joined as Chief Operating Officer after a successful stint at Jabong. He worked alongside Xiaomi India’s founding MD, Manu Kumar Jain. When Jain departed, Muralikrishnan took on the role of President, Xiaomi India, bringing a strategic overhaul that would rejuvenate the brand.

Reflecting on his tenure, Muralikrishnan describes his experience as a “fairytale” filled with ups and downs. “Multiple emotions, honestly, I’ve been part of this journey for the last six years. I would call this a little bit of a fairytale, ups, downs, the highs, the lows, drama, everything, and that’s what makes it fulfilling,” he says.