By reshuffling the management of its international businesses and turning its attention towards India, Apple’s new shifted focus might result in “India becoming its own sales region at Apple.”
Ashish Chowdhary as Apple India MD
The company has also decided to elevate Apple India managing director Ashish Chowdhary to oversee India, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, East Europe and Africa regions.
This post was earlier held by the recently retired Hugues Asseman. Chowdhary will reportedly report directly to Michael Fenger, Apple’s head of product sales.
Though there is no light thrown on the exact benefits of Apple’s focus shift to India, but some of the long term benefits would include the rollout of unavailable services such as Fitness+ and Wallet in India, job creation, and even a reduction in the price of certain goods.
The latest changes, as per the report, shall affect Apple’s management structure but not the way it reports regional sales in public financial results.
Apple reports its quarterly results in four parts and India figures are part of its Europe category, along with the Middle East and Africa.
Apple’s other markets include the Americas, Greater China, Japan and the rest of Asia Pacific.
Apple’s Focus on Indian Market, Upcoming Apple Official Retail Stores
On the last earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook also highlighted on Apple’s growing importance for India as he said that “India is a hugely exciting market for us and is a major focus” for Apple, adding that “we’re putting a lot of emphasis on the market.”
While the company’s total sales dipped 5 per cent in the last quarter, India, the Middle East and Africa, and Europe were key markets for the company.
Without revealing specific numbers or best-selling models, Apple said that the company witnessed an all-time record for iPhone sales in India in the last quarter.
In order to promote iPads, the company is also expanding offline events in the country.
In February, Apple hosted its first physical Today at Apple session in India in New Delhi. Today at Apple is an educational programme where Apple collaborates with some creators to teach users how to use iPads and iPhones to create professional-looking content.
The programme is typically held at Apple’s official retail stores, which are yet to open in India. Last month, the programme was held at the India Art Fair in Delhi.
First Apple Stores shall be opening in Delhi and Mumbai this year, as per the Apple India’s official website.
For these locations, hiring is also being carried out for store managers as well as the store representatives for these locations. Later on, the company might also expand its stores to other locations.
