Google’s hiring of Mitul Shah underscores its growing commitment to the Indian market, particularly in the premium smartphone segment. His appointment follows Google’s efforts to localize its operations, such as assembling the Pixel 8 in India through Wowtek Technology, which aligns with the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative. While this move has not extended to models like the Pixel 8a, it shows Google’s intent to leverage India’s manufacturing ecosystem for its high-end devices.
The launch of the Pixel 9 series in India has further strengthened this strategy. The series introduced new features such as international warranty support, enhancing the customer experience, and included substantial upgrades in camera technology, chipset performance, and design. These improvements aim to make the Pixel a strong competitor in a market already saturated with premium options from Apple, Samsung, and other players.
Shah’s extensive experience in consumer sales, particularly at Apple India, is expected to help Google navigate the complexities of the Indian market, where premium smartphones are in growing demand. His role will likely focus on increasing the reach of Pixel devices, improving local sales, and delivering AI-driven features to users, making Google’s offerings more competitive against other flagship devices. With this strategic hiring, Google aims to establish the Pixel as a serious contender in India’s high-end smartphone market.
