Xiaomi sets up artificial intelligence and big data departments to sharpen focus in tech race
- Tech firm trying to transform itself from a smartphone maker to an internet services firm
- New departments will focus on AI, big data and cloud computing
Xiaomi, the world’s fourth-biggest smartphone maker, announced the creation of three artificial intelligence-related departments in another reshuffle to transform the company into an AI-driven company.
The Beijing-based company promoted Cui Baoqiu, who set up the AI and cloud team in Xiaomi, to vice-president, reporting directly to co-founder and chief executive Lei Jun. Lei also announced the set up of new AI, big data and cloud computing departments, according to a letter provided by the company.
“Technology is a matter of life and death for Xiaomi,” Lei said in an internal meeting, according to the statement. “The establishment of Cui’s new role is to enhance the company’s engineer culture.”
Lei received a degree in computer science from Wuhan University in China and started his career at Kingsoft as a developer. Cui had worked for IBM Silicon Valley Lab, Yahoo and LinkedIn before he joined Xiaomi.
This is Xiaomi’s fourth organisational change after its IPO in Hong Kong last summer. Last September, Xiaomi created two new departments – an organisation department that oversees hiring, promotion and training, and a strategic advisory department, to help develop younger talent.