POCO India Welcomes Ken Sekhar as New Marketing Head to Steer Brand Growth

In a strategic move to strengthen its brand positioning and marketing innovation, POCO India has appointed Ken Sekhar as its new Head of Marketing. This leadership shift signals the brand’s ambition to deepen its connect with Indian consumers and sharpen its competitive edge in the ever-evolving smartphone market.

Known for his extensive experience in leading high-impact campaigns across technology and consumer brands, Sekhar’s entry into POCO comes at a crucial time as the company navigates an increasingly crowded marketplace dominated by aggressive pricing, high expectations, and a youth-driven audience.

A New Chapter in POCO’s India Growth Story

POCO, originally a sub-brand of Xiaomi and now functioning independently, has carved a niche for itself among young Indian smartphone users looking for power-packed devices at accessible prices. With its focus on performance, design, and affordability, POCO has emerged as a challenger brand that appeals to Gen Z and millennial consumers.

The brand is now moving into a phase where deep consumer engagement and innovative storytelling are expected to drive the next level of growth. The appointment of Ken Sekhar, with his global vision and regional insights, is a step in that direction.

Who is Ken Sekhar? A Look at His Marketing Journey

Ken Sekhar brings over two decades of marketing expertise to the table, having worked across multiple high-profile brands in sectors such as consumer electronics, lifestyle, automotive, and mobile technology. His prior roles include leadership positions at companies like Samsung, Renault, and HMD Global (Nokia), where he was instrumental in launching category-defining products and building memorable brand narratives.

His work has spanned across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, giving him a comprehensive understanding of multi-market consumer behavior, brand localization, and integrated marketing strategies.

With a track record of building digital-first campaigns, amplifying brand equity, and navigating product marketing in competitive landscapes, Sekhar is seen as a valuable addition to the POCO team.

The Strategic Timing Behind the Appointment

POCO’s decision to bring in a new marketing leader is timely. The Indian smartphone market, while vast, is intensely competitive and rapidly evolving. With players like Samsung, Realme, Vivo, and OnePlus constantly pushing new features and pricing innovations, POCO needs to continue standing out — not just through specs, but through distinctive brand identity and storytelling.

As the value-to-performance ratio becomes less of a differentiator, brand loyalty, cultural relevance, and smart positioning will play a bigger role in influencing buying decisions. Ken Sekhar’s appointment suggests that POCO recognizes this shift and is gearing up to lead with insight-driven marketing.

What This Means for POCO India’s Marketing Direction

Under Sekhar’s leadership, POCO India is expected to refine its positioning, move beyond conventional product push campaigns, and adopt a lifestyle-driven narrative that resonates with India’s aspirational youth.

We can expect to see:

• Stronger digital and social campaigns tailored for India’s mobile-first audience

• Community-driven activations that involve POCO users in content creation

• Collaborations with creators and tech influencers to strengthen brand relevance

• Localized storytelling that taps into regional cultures and languages

• Brand experiences that focus on more than just specs—like gaming, photography, and pop culture

Ken Sekhar’s Vision for the POCO Brand

Although Sekhar hasn’t released a full strategy outline yet, his previous public statements and past campaigns suggest a focus on consumer co-creation, storytelling, and consistent brand tonality. His strength lies in turning technical product features into emotionally relevant consumer propositions.

In previous roles, he has been known to invest heavily in user engagement, ensuring that product launches and brand messaging resonate not just with tech enthusiasts but with mainstream audiences as well.

Given POCO’s vibrant community of tech fans and budget-conscious consumers, Sekhar’s challenge will be to strike the perfect balance between performance messaging and brand personality.

POCO’s Market Outlook and the Road Ahead

India remains one of the most important markets for smartphone brands globally, with over 600 million smartphone users and rising digital adoption in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. POCO, with its aggressive pricing and hardware-first approach, has been particularly successful in tapping into this segment.

However, with new launches happening nearly every month, staying top-of-mind for consumers requires more than just a feature sheet. It requires a clear brand voice, creative engagement strategies, and strong recall. That’s where Sekhar’s experience could be pivotal.

With 5G rollout accelerating, and mobile gaming, creator culture, and AI-powered apps becoming mainstream, POCO’s upcoming devices must deliver not only on performance but on consumer lifestyle integration. The brand’s marketing, too, will need to reflect these aspirations.

Reactions from the Industry and Consumer Base

The announcement has been well received by both marketing insiders and tech followers. Industry professionals note that POCO’s decision to onboard a seasoned marketing leader shows its long-term commitment to brand building in India.

POCO’s online community, known for its enthusiastic feedback, has responded with curiosity and optimism. While many users expect continued focus on value-for-money products, there’s a clear appetite for more engaging, creative brand initiatives—something Sekhar is likely to deliver.

Conclusion: A Bold Step Towards Sharper Branding

Ken Sekhar’s appointment as Head of Marketing at POCO India marks a turning point in the brand’s evolution. As POCO eyes deeper penetration into India’s fast-growing mid-range smartphone market, strong brand identity and emotional connection will be just as crucial as product specs and price tags.

With a proven leader at the helm of marketing, the brand is poised to sharpen its narrative, build stronger communities, and elevate its appeal across consumer segments.

In the coming months, all eyes will be on how POCO reshapes its voice, campaigns, and consumer engagement — and Ken Sekhar will be right at the center of that transformation.