OnePlus India chief executive Robin Liu has stepped down from his role, the company confirmed on Tuesday, marking a leadership change at a critical time for the smartphone maker’s India business.
The company said Liu is leaving to pursue “personal passions”, adding that operations in India will continue under its existing local strategy. However, OnePlus has not yet named a successor, leaving a leadership gap in one of its key markets.
“We thank Robin for his contributions to OnePlus India. He moves on to pursue his personal passions, and we wish him the very best for his future endeavours,” a company spokesperson said in a statement to Gadgets 360. “OnePlus India operations continue with local strategy and business continuity ensured.”
The development was first reported by The Economic Times, which cited industry executives as saying Liu is currently serving his notice period and is expected to exit by the end of March. The report also suggested that internal restructuring within the broader Oppo group — including closer integration with sister brands — may have influenced the move.
Liu’s exit comes just weeks before the anticipated launch of the OnePlus Nord 6 in India, a key product in the company’s mid-range portfolio. The timing underscores a period of transition for OnePlus as it navigates competitive pressures in the Indian smartphone market.
Industry reports indicate that Liu may return to China, although the company has not officially confirmed this. His departure follows recent organisational changes within Oppo, which has been streamlining operations across its affiliated brands, including Realme.
Liu joined OnePlus in 2018 as global sales and supply chain director and later moved to India in 2020 to lead sales operations. He went on to head the company’s North America business before taking over as India CEO in July 2024.
His tenure in India lasted under two years, during which OnePlus continued to expand its product ecosystem beyond smartphones to include tablets and audio devices, while strengthening its offline retail presence.
The absence of a named successor raises questions about the company’s immediate leadership structure in India, a market that remains central to its global growth ambitions.
For now, OnePlus appears focused on ensuring operational continuity as it prepares for upcoming product launches and navigates an increasingly competitive landscape dominated by both global and domestic players.