Brands
OnePlus exit rumours return as India head Robin Liu steps down
Leadership shift sparks fresh questions, but brand insists India plans stay on track
MUMBAI: Talk of OnePlus pulling the plug has resurfaced after the company confirmed that its India head, Robin Liu, has stepped down. The timing has raised eyebrows, especially as India remains one of the brand’s most crucial markets.
In a brief statement, the company acknowledged the exit, saying, “We thank Robin for his contributions to OnePlus India. He moves on to pursue his personal passions, and we wish him the very best for his future endeavours.” It added that operations in India would continue with business continuity intact.
However, a report by The Economic Times suggests the move may be part of a deeper organisational reset. According to the report, Liu was recently asked to report to Sky Li, who has taken on a broader role within the OPPO group, overseeing sub-brands including OnePlus.
The shift marks a notable change in hierarchy. Liu and Li previously operated as peers, each independently running their respective brands. That structure now appears to have been streamlined under a more centralised leadership model.
The development also contrasts with Liu’s earlier stance. In January, OnePlus India CEO Robin Liu publicly dismissed shutdown rumours, stating the company was “operating as usual” and would continue to do so. The brand had also issued a clarification at the time, calling such reports false and urging stakeholders to rely on verified information.
Market data, however, paints a more challenging picture. Shipments in India have declined sharply, with Cybermedia Research reporting a 32 per cent drop in 2025, while International Data Corporation pegged the year-on-year fall at 38.8 per cent. The slowdown highlights increasing pressure in an intensely competitive smartphone market.
Despite the noise, there is little to suggest an immediate exit. The company is gearing up to launch the OnePlus Nord 6 in April, signalling continued activity in the near term. At the same time, OPPO Chief Product Officer Pete Lau confirmed plans for a global launch of the Find X9 Ultra, hinting at a broader realignment of brand roles within the group.
For consumers in India, the message remains steady for now. Devices are coming, operations continue, and support is unlikely to disappear overnight. Still, the leadership reshuffle and shifting hierarchy suggest something more nuanced than business as usual.
The takeaway is clear. OnePlus is not shutting down, but it is clearly reshaping its playbook. Whether this recalibration sharpens its edge or further blurs its identity in a crowded market is the question that now lingers.
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
