In the dynamic world of smartphone brands, leadership shuffles often reveal deeper industry trends. Himanshu Tandon, a key figure who spearheaded POCO’s operations in India under Xiaomi since 2022, has reportedly stepped down. According to Moneycontrol, he’s set to join Nothing, the buzzworthy London-based smartphone company, as head of its rapidly growing CMF division. This high-profile shift underscores significant changes within the fiercely competitive Indian smartphone market.
In This Article
POCO’s Rising Star Moves On
Tandon’s departure marks yet another notable leadership shift at Xiaomi India within a year, following President Muralikrishnan B’s exit last November. Tandon had been instrumental in POCO’s rise, effectively targeting Gen Z consumers with smartphones that emphasise gaming capabilities and affordability. His tenure saw POCO significantly increase its contribution from 30% to 41% of Xiaomi’s total shipments in India, reaching 2.03 million units in Q2 2025.
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Despite this success, Xiaomi’s overall presence in India has faced turbulence. Canalys reported a 25% year-on-year decline in Xiaomi’s Q2 2025 shipments, down to 5 million units, causing a dip in its market share from 18% to 13%. This backdrop perhaps made Tandon’s departure timely, as POCO’s promising growth contrasted sharply with Xiaomi’s broader struggles.
Nothing and CMF: The Next Big Move?
Nothing, known for its strikingly minimalist design and innovative marketing tactics, seems poised to capitalise on Tandon’s expertise. CMF, Nothing’s sub-brand known for budget-friendly, stylish devices, has seen explosive growth in recent months. Its global marketing operations recently shifted to India, indicating a strategic emphasis on capturing the lucrative Indian market.
Under co-founder Akis Evangelidis’s leadership, CMF’s year-on-year growth surged an impressive 229% in Q2 2025. Popular products like the CMF Phone 2 Pro and the Phone 3a series have driven this rapid expansion, and with Tandon at the helm, CMF aims to amplify its appeal further among younger Indian audiences.
What This Means for the Industry
Tandon’s move signals an interesting shift within India’s smartphone sector, reflecting changing consumer demands and strategic priorities. Xiaomi, once a dominant player, now grapples with declining numbers, while brands like Nothing and its CMF division steadily climb the ranks with innovative offerings and bold strategies.
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As smartphone companies increasingly tailor their products to appeal to specific consumer segments like Gen Z, industry watchers anticipate more such strategic shifts. Tandon’s expertise in youth-centric marketing and digital engagement could significantly boost Nothing’s CMF brand, reshaping competitive dynamics in the Indian market.
Official statements from both Xiaomi and Nothing regarding this high-profile leadership change are expected soon, and industry observers will be closely monitoring developments.
Final Thoughts
Tandon’s jump from POCO to Nothing’s CMF could redefine how smartphone brands strategise for India, turning an exciting new page for tech enthusiasts and the industry alike.
