Nothing Picks Former Whirlpool Executive Vishal Bhola As Prez For India Biz

Smartphone maker Nothing has roped in former executive of Whirlpool and Unilever, Vishal Bhola, as the president for Nothing India.

The London-based company said in a statement on Tuesday (May 28) that Bhola, in his new role, will help in driving Nothing’s growth trajectory in India. 

His appointment underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its presence and offerings in the Indian market, it added.

The development comes within months after Nothing said earlier this year that it was looking to make India its export hub in the long term. It also announced plans to manufacture its newest range of smartphones, Nothing Phone (2a), in the country.

We must note that Manu Sharma, who was earlier leading the India operations of Nothing from February 2021, stepped down as general manager and vice president of the company in January this year. Sharma came with over two decades of experience with companies such as Samsung Electronics and HP.

Nothing’s new India president Bhola comes with over two decades of experience in companies such as Unilever and Whirlpool. He held key positions in Unilever across India, Southeast Asia, the USA, Africa, China, and London. 

After Unilever, Bhola was the Managing Director responsible for driving profitability and growth across the Indian subcontinent for Whirlpool Corporation.

Carl Pei, CEO and cofounder at Nothing, said, “Bhola’s vast experience and leadership in the global consumer goods industry make him a valuable addition to our team.”

Pei was the former cofounder of leading smartphone manufacturer OnePlus. Nothing competes with the likes of Apple, Samsung, Google, and OnePlus. 

Founded in 2020, Nothing claims to have sold over 2 Mn products worldwide, including its Phone (1), within four years of its operations. Its third smartphone, Phone (2a), which the company plans to start manufacturing in India, was introduced this year.

Its Phone (2a) and its predecessors offer industry-first ChatGPT integration when paired with any Nothing audio product.

Meanwhile, as per recent data by the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), India became the second-largest maker of mobile phones in the world by producing 2.45 Bn units of mobile phones worth INR 4.1 Lakh Cr in the last 10 years.

Apple has been ramping up India manufacturing rapidly. In fact, as per recent government data, iPhones accounted for 65% or about $10 Bn of mobile phone exports from the country in FY24.

Now, Google has also reportedly tied up with electronics manufacturer Dixon Technologies to manufacture its flagship Pixel 8 smartphones in the country. Dixon also manufactures smartphones for Motorola, which was among the first beneficiaries of the Centre’s production-linked incentive (PLI) for mobile phone manufacturing.