Shocking news from Xiaomi. Hugo Barra, vice president of the company, announced his intention to leave the company via a poignant post on facebook. As widely explained in the post, the choice, defined as extremely difficult, is due to the difficulties deriving from life in China. “My friends, what I consider my home and my life are in Silicon Valley,” said Hugo, adding that the distance also heavily affected his health. He continued by summarizing all the successes obtained by Xiaomi over the years and thanking Lei Jun (defined as a true friend, as well as a mentor), feeling satisfied with the milestones achieved. He also said he was convinced of the choice, given that his colleagues are "in good hands". He ended by noting his love for Xiaomi and highlighting how the upcoming New Year is synonymous with new beginnings for him, as well as for the Chinese population. Below you will find the entire letter from Hugo.
When Lei Jun and Bin Lin came to me about four years ago with the proposal to transform the success of a global start-up venture, I decided to embark on what would be the most exciting challenge of my life. I moved to Beijing, 6.500 miles from my "comfort zones" in Silicon Valley, to build from nowhere a team capable of a great start. This trip was to say the least poco spectacular in every sense and I can proudly say that Xiaomi Global is the first "child" I helped to come into the world 🙂
But what I understand is that the last years of life in such a singular environment they start to weigh on my life and health. My friends, what I consider my home and my life are back in Silicon Valley, which is also much closer to my family. Seeing what I have left behind in recent years, it is clear that it is time to return.
At the end of this year I reflected and came to the conclusion that Xiaomi has embarked on the right path for global expansion and this is the right time for me to go home - being now not only a start but a consolidated world business reality. We have transformed India from a dream to the largest international market of Xiaomi with $ 1 billion in annual revenue, with the fastest growth of any company in the history of India. We arrived in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and, more recently, the other 20 markets, including Russia, Mexico, and Poland. We have partnered with Google to launch our first official product in the United States, and with our CES 2017 debut - we have won 3 prestigious awards. The world now knows Xiaomi as the protagonist of the hi-tech industry as it can bring innovations.
More importantly, we now have a team with some of the most remarkable and enthusiastic people I have ever worked with and I leave them with the conviction that the hard part is behind us. At the same time I know I leave in teams in good hands. Xiaomi now has a strong global mindset and will continue in the direction we have taken together.
I want to thank the founders of Xiaomi, and especially our CEO Lei Jun, who was a mentor and a friend. IS' it was both humiliating and exciting to work with a man whose vision is redefining the role that technology plays in our lives and the role that China's technological industry plays in the world. As a friend and associate of the company, I am honored that Jun helped me in this transition by asking me more stay as a consultant for Xiaomi indefinitely during World Expansion.
For me, as for many people in China, the Spring Festival brings new beginnings and I will take advantage of it to organize my departure in February after the Chinese New Year. I will take all the time before embarking on a new adventure in Silicon Valley.
To my Xiaomi colleagues in China and India: even if I leave our home in Beijing and Bangalore, be sure to remain a faithful and grateful Fan. I'll be watching and cheering for you on the field! And of course a special greeting goes to all of our Mi Fans who have conquered my heart forever!
Let's stay in touch, guys!
I'll see you!
Hugo
Hugo Barra
