Robert Wu steps in as Foxconn's top official in India

In a significant shift, Foxconn has appointed Robert Wu as its new representative in India, succeeding V Lee. Lee has been promoted to the chairman's office, assuming new responsibilities. Wu, who previously served as the CEO of Foxconn’s subsidiary Sharp Corp in Japan, officially stepped into his new role this week. The company clarified that this change in leadership is part of a routine rotation, emphasizing Wu's extensive background in technology innovation spanning over a century. As the India Representative, Wu will occupy the top official position in the country and will report directly to Foxconn’s headquarters. Wu's appointment comes during a challenging period for electronics manufacturing in India, as the sector grapples with uncertainties brought on by U.S. tariffs and Chinese restrictions on labor and technology transfers. Under Lee’s guidance, Foxconn India achieved remarkable growth, surpassing USD 20 billion in revenue and expanding its workforce to nearly 80,000 employees. Following more than four years of service as the India Representative, Lee has transitioned to become Assistant Vice President in the Chairman’s Office at Hon Hai Technology Group, where he will focus on business development. This leadership transition occurs amidst evolving global dynamics in electronics supply chains. Recent reports from Bloomberg indicated that Foxconn had recalled over 300 Chinese engineers and technicians from its iPhone production facilities in Tamil Nadu. The majority of the foreign workforce at the site is now comprised of personnel from Taiwan, a shift attributed to Chinese authorities imposing restrictions on the export of skilled labor and technology to competing nations like India and Vietnam. These recalled engineers had been instrumental in setting up production processes and training local workers. As Wu assumes control of operations in India, Foxconn is poised to further expand its manufacturing capabilities within the country, navigating the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape.