Global mobile-device company HMD Global has elevated Abhishek Ranjan to the dual role of Managing Director and Chief Marketing Officer for its India and Asia-Pacific (APAC) operations. The announcement points to the company’s intent to strengthen its regional leadership and deepen its presence across one of the world’s fastest growing smartphone markets.
Ranjan stepped into the role after having led brand marketing for HMD Global’s India and APAC region. He officially joined the company in October 2022 and during his tenure has been credited with driving brand transformation, product launches and strategic campaigns. His appointment brings more than 17 years of experience in marketing and brand roles at prominent technology and consumer-brand firms.
In his new position, Ranjan will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of marketing, communications and brand strategy for HMD Global across India and the broader APAC region. His remit will include strengthening the company’s brand positioning in the region, accelerating growth of device lines, deepening relationships with channel partners and enhancing consumer engagement through digital-first approaches.
Ranjan’s professional background spans a variety of technology and consumer-electronics companies. His credentials include senior roles at TECNO Mobile India, Philips Mobiles, Micromax, Logitech and Samsung. Analysts say his cross-sector experience equips him with the skills to lead regional brand strategies in diverse markets characterised by language, distribution and device variations.
Since joining HMD Global, Ranjan has been involved in key milestones for the brand in India and APAC. These include the introduction of new device lines, refreshed global-brand positioning and innovation in hybrid mobile device form-factors. Under his leadership of brand marketing he helped elevate the profile of the brand among millennial and Gen Z audiences in the region.
By consolidating regional leadership under Ranjan, HMD Global is signaling its ambition to deepen market penetration in India and adjoining countries while harnessing growth momentum from channel partners, operator relationships and emerging device segments such as 4G/5G hybrids and bundle offerings. The mobile-device market in India and APAC remains highly competitive, with local and global players battling for share amid device commoditisation and service ecosystems.
For developers, channel partners and marketing agencies working with HMD Global this leadership move may translate into sharper regional focus, more investment in brand campaigns customized for India and APAC markets and greater alignment of product launches with local market dynamics. Ranjan’s mandate is likely to include expanding consumer choice, launching region-specific innovations and driving stronger retail engagement.
The elevation also reflects a broader trend among global consumer-electronics players where regional leadership structures are being strengthened. Local market dynamics such as pricing sensitivity, distribution complexity, regional content preferences and regulatory variation require dedicated leadership. HMD Global appears to be responding to this by centralising strategic marketing for India and APAC under Ranjan’s leadership.
While HMD Global has not released specific growth targets linked to Ranjan’s appointment, company observers expect the marketing agenda to prioritise enhancing brand recall, growing mid- and premium-device segments, increasing channel reach and leveraging digital ecosystems such as app partnerships, telco bundles and content integrations. In recent years the India market has seen growth leverage through bundling devices with entertainment services, mobile-payment integration and ecosystem play.
Ranjan’s elevation may also signal an increased role for HMD Global in emerging device-format experimentation in India and APAC. The company has already introduced hybrid devices in the region and his leadership could accelerate innovation in areas such as foldables, tablets, connected devices and accessories, tailored for regional consumer behaviour and price sensitivity.
Channel partners and distributors are likely to expect more co-marketing support, localized campaigns and promotional variation aligned to regional festivals and device-upgrade cycles. Given the importance of the festive season and operator tie-ups in India, marketing leadership that understands local rhythms is critical. Ranjan’s appointment may heighten the brand’s agility in these periods.
For HMD Global, the appointment underscores the brand’s long-term commitment to India and APAC. With competition from both global and local device makers intensifying, leadership continuity and marketing investment remain key. Ranjan’s track record in brand building and regional market growth may give the company a strategic edge in a complex region.
In summary, HMD Global’s decision to place Abhishek Ranjan in the dual role of Managing Director and Chief Marketing Officer for India and APAC reflects a focused strategy to drive brand growth, regional leadership and market relevance. Under Ranjan’s leadership the company is positioned to strengthen its consumer-mobile device business across one of Asia’s most dynamic markets.