Sridhar Vembu Steps Down as CEO of Zoho, Assumes New Role as Chief Scientist

Sridhar Vembu, the founder of Zoho Corp, has officially stepped down as the CEO of the software giant. In a post on the social media platform X, Vembu announced that he would now focus on research and development in his new role as the company’s ‘Chief Scientist.’

“A new chapter begins today. In light of the challenges and opportunities ahead, including significant advancements in AI, I have decided to dedicate my efforts entirely to R&D initiatives while continuing my personal rural development mission,” Vembu stated.

Known for his commitment to sustainable development and empowering rural India, Vembu emphasized the need for innovation to navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Leadership Transition at Zoho

As part of the leadership restructuring, Shailesh Kumar Davey, Zoho’s co-founder, will take over as the new CEO. Other leadership roles include Tony Thomas heading Zoho US, Rajesh Ganesan leading the ManageEngine division, and Mani Vembu overseeing Zoho.com.

Expressing his excitement about his new role, Vembu highlighted the importance of R&D for the company’s growth, stating, “Our future depends on meeting the R&D challenge, and I’m thrilled to return to hands-on technical work.”

Who is Sridhar Vembu?

Sridhar Vembu is an accomplished entrepreneur and one of the most admired business leaders in India. With a net worth of $5.8 billion (as per Forbes), Vembu is the visionary behind Zoho Corp, a globally recognized provider of cloud-based business software.

Vembu holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Princeton University and, along with his siblings, owns a majority stake in Zoho. Beyond his corporate achievements, he is a passionate advocate for rural development.

In Tamil Nadu, Vembu funds schools for underprivileged children and oversees Zoho University—an in-house institution that trains young talent directly out of school. Many graduates of Zoho University go on to secure positions within the company. Under Vembu’s leadership, Zoho has become one of India’s most successful privately held companies.