Sridhar Vembu Steps Down as Zoho CEO, Becomes Chief Scientist

Sridhar Vembu, co-founder and former CEO of Zoho Corporation, has stepped down from his leadership position to assume the role of Chief Scientist, focusing on research and development (R&D) and rural development initiatives. The transition, effective immediately, also sees Shailesh Kumar Davey appointed as the new group CEO, with other leadership roles reassigned to strengthen the company's focus on innovation in the face of evolving artificial intelligence (AI) challenges. Vembu emphasized the importance of navigating R&D challenges for the future of Zoho, noting that the company must adapt to the rapidly changing tech landscape. He expressed excitement about returning to technical work and contributing to the company's deep R&D efforts. This restructuring reflects Zoho's strategy to enhance its offerings while addressing competitive pressures posed by advancements in AI. Vembu's commitment to rural development remains integral to his new role, highlighting his dual focus on technology and social impact.