As Google's VP of product management for Android, Hugo Barra has appeared his fair share of events. Most recently Barra took the stage at the "Breakfast with Sundar Pichai" event in July to introduce the world to the new Nexus 7. It sounds like Barra will no longer be a staple of Android shindigs, though, as a new report claims that the exec has resigned from Google.
According to sources speaking to AllThingsD, Barra is quitting Google and headed for Xiaomi, a Chinese manufacturer that sells Android-powered hardware. Neither Barra nor Google have commented on the matter, but it's said that the exec has already turned in his resignation.
Barra's exit from Google is the second major departure that the Android team has experienced in 2013. Andy Rubin, often referred to as the father of Android, left the division earlier this year for a post in another part of Google. While Barra's resignation wouldn't signal the end of Android or anything like that, it would be a tough loss for Google, especially considering how big a part of the company's public events that he's become. Meanwhile, Xiaomi would gain a major asset that could help it to improve its Android hardware business. As I said before, there's been no official announcement regarding Barra's exit, but I'll update you if any additional details surface.
UPDATE: Hugo Barra has confirmed that he's leaving his position at Google to become Vice President of Xiaomi Global. In a post on his Google+ page, Barra explained that he'll be joining Xiaomi "in a few weeks" to help the company grow its product lineup and its global business. Barra's entire farewell message can be found at the Google+ link below.
Via AllThingsD, +Hugo Barra
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