OPPO India’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Damyant Singh Khanoria, recently disclosed his resignation from the position after a fruitful three-year tenure. Joining OPPO in December 2020, Khanoria brought with him a wealth of experience accumulated over 23 years in the industry, including a prior role at Apple. His impact at OPPO was pivotal in shaping the brand’s marketing strategies and solidifying its foothold in the expansive Indian smartphone market.
Under Khanoria’s leadership, OPPO India, a prominent global smartphone brand, steadily expanded its market presence. As of the third quarter of 2023, the International Data Corporation (IDC) reported that OPPO India held approximately 10% of the market share. This achievement was attributed to the company’s diverse product portfolio spanning various price brackets, integrating cutting-edge technology tailored to meet the dynamic preferences of Indian consumers.
Khanoria’s departure comes at a juncture where OPPO India is undergoing substantial growth and innovation. Despite encountering challenges within the fiercely competitive smartphone landscape, the company maintained its stance as the fifth-largest smartphone brand in India. Nevertheless, IDC’s data indicated a 20.2% year-over-year decline in OPPO India’s shipments during the third quarter of 2023, signalling a challenging phase.
Insider sources have verified Khanoria’s decision to step down, although an official statement confirming his departure from OPPO India is pending. As of now, OPPO India has refrained from addressing media inquiries concerning this matter. Khanoria’s exit signifies a notable shift in the leadership hierarchy at OPPO India, prompting queries about the brand’s future marketing strategies.
RTM Watch’s Take
Damyant Singh Khanoria’s departure as the CMO of OPPO India is undoubtedly a loss for the company. With his extensive experience in the industry and successful track record, Khanoria played a pivotal role in driving OPPO’s marketing efforts and establishing a strong brand presence in India. His departure comes at a crucial time when OPPO India is facing challenges in the highly competitive smartphone market. OPPO India will now need to find a suitable replacement who can continue to drive the brand’s marketing strategies and maintain its growth trajectory. The new CMO will have to navigate the evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements to ensure OPPO remains a key player in the Indian smartphone market.
