Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer and a key partner for Apple iPhone production in India, has appointed Robert Wu as its new India Representative, the company’s most senior official role in the country. Wu succeeds V Lee, who has been elevated to the Chairman’s Office of Hon Hai Technology Group, Foxconn’s parent company, with additional global responsibilities.
Wu, who officially assumed charge this week, was previously the CEO of Sharp Corporation in Japan, a Foxconn-owned subsidiary known for its century-long legacy of innovation in consumer electronics and display technology. His new role involves reporting directly to Foxconn headquarters while steering the company’s growing electronics manufacturing operations in India.
Foxconn’s Expansion in India
The leadership transition comes at a crucial time for India’s electronics manufacturing sector, as the country continues to attract global supply chain investments amid US tariffs on Chinese goods and Beijing’s restrictions on labor and technology transfers.
Under V Lee’s leadership, Foxconn India achieved remarkable growth, crossing USD 20 billion in business and expanding its workforce to nearly 80,000 employees. Lee has now been promoted to Assistant Vice President in Foxconn’s Chairman’s Office, overseeing business development worldwide.
Challenges in Global Supply Chains
Foxconn’s India transition also highlights broader geopolitical shifts in electronics manufacturing. In July, Bloomberg reported that the company recalled over 300 Chinese engineers and technicians from its iPhone factories in Tamil Nadu. Most foreign staff at the facilities are now from Taiwan, as China tightens control over skilled labor exports and advanced manufacturing equipment to countries like India and Vietnam, both of which are emerging as strong alternatives in the global electronics supply chain.
Industry experts say Robert Wu’s leadership will be crucial in strengthening Foxconn’s India strategy, especially as the country pushes its “Make in India” initiative to position itself as a global hub for smartphone and semiconductor manufacturing
