Poco India head Himanshu Tandon resigns, likely to lead Nothing's CMF brand: Report

Himanshu Tandon, who significantly contributed to the rise of Poco as a standout sub-brand under Xiaomi, has reportedly stepped down from his role as head of Poco India. Sources indicate that Tandon is set to lead CMF, a sub-brand of the UK-based tech company Nothing, which was co-founded by Carl Pei, known for his role in establishing OnePlus. Although there hasn't been an official announcement from either Poco or Nothing, insiders suggest Tandon is poised to oversee CMF's operations in India. This transition is particularly notable given the fierce competition currently reshaping the Indian smartphone landscape. Joining Poco at its inception, Tandon assumed leadership of the Indian division in 2022. Under his stewardship, Poco achieved a commendable 5.9% market share in the first quarter of 2024, even as Xiaomi faced a decline in the region. His strategic focus on community-driven growth and delivering strong value offerings has been pivotal in navigating the challenges of the market. Despite considerations for a promotion within Xiaomi's India structure, Tandon's decision to move to CMF aligns with the brand’s ambitions to become a key contender in the ₹12,000–₹20,000 smartphone category, which has long been dominated by Xiaomi and its peers. Tandon’s expertise in the Indian market, particularly in offline retail and distribution, is expected to bolster CMF's capabilities beyond its initial online-first approach. Meanwhile, Xiaomi continues to struggle in India, with its market share plummeting from 17% in 2022 to just 7.8% in the first quarter of 2025, according to IDC statistics. A separate report from Canalys highlights that Xiaomi shipped 5 million smartphones in India during the second quarter of 2025, capturing a 13% share that includes Poco units. In contrast, competitors like Vivo and Oppo are witnessing substantial growth rates of 31% and 24%, respectively. As Vivo leads the market with 8.1 million shipments and a 21% share, Xiaomi's recent strategy shift towards premium devices has faced hurdles, including the cancellation of mid-premium launches and a retreat to budget-friendly offerings. The potential loss of Tandon could pose challenges for Poco, which remains a key asset in Xiaomi's Indian portfolio. His move to a competitor like Nothing could further impact Xiaomi's presence in this crucial price segment, highlighting the evolving dynamics of India's competitive smartphone market.