Nothing appoints former Samsung executive as head of Indian division

OnePlus was founded in December 2013 in China by Pete Lau and Carl Pei. The company came as a small startup inside of BBK group and started its road in the smartphone business with the OnePlus One. The handset was the first device to kick the “flagship killer” due to its high-end specifications and affordable price tag. Nowadays, OnePlus is one of the most important companies in the smartphone market. All of sudden, Carl Pei, one of the brand’s co-founders announced his retirement from the brand to start a new project. This project was later revealed as “Nothing”. It’s a company that will reportedly focus on Audio related tech. However, it seems that the company has more products in tow… perhaps even smartphones.

Earlier this month, Nothing announced that it is now the owner of Essential and its patents. For those unaware, Essential was founded by Andy Rubin’s the creator of Android. The company announced just one single smartphone – The Essential Phone. It was innovative in certain aspects but was more a promise than a product that really delivers. We have been hearing rumors about the Essential Phone, but the company disappeared all of sudden. Now, it is part of Carl Pei’s Nothing. The founder states that Essential’s acquisition is all about patents, but this opens a road for a future Nothing-branded smartphone. Now, in a new advancement, the company has hired someone that has wide experience in the smartphone business.

Nothing hired Samsung’s former VP

The new appointee is Manu Sharma, an ex-Samsung VP. Mr. Sharma will take on the role of General Manager of Nothing India according to a report by the Times of India. He will also hold the title of Vice President of the Company. Prior to his move to Nothing, he was the head of the product strategy at Samsung up until December 2020. According to Carl Pei, Mr. Sharma’s track record and experience will play a pivotal role in Nothing’s growth in India. His responsibilities will include setting up the India office, overseeing the region’s product strategy, marketing, and sales.

According to reports, Nothing will launch its first product this summer. Don’t hold your breath for a smartphone. After all, the company will unveil a pair of earbuds, presumably true wireless ones. Following the appointment, the company certainly is targeting the Indian market as one of its strategic markets. However, we still need to see if the company will import its products or will make in India.