BYJU’S India CEO Arjun Mohan Departs; Founder Byju Raveendran to Lead Operations

Within a year of assuming the role at the edtech company, Arjun Mohan, CEO of BYJU’S India, is stepping down. Following Mohan’s exit, Byju Raveendran, the founder of BYJU’S, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the business in India.

BYJU’S Announces Restructuring into Three Focused Divisions for Growth and Efficiency

BYJU’S announced a significant restructuring on Monday (April 15) to streamline operations and position the company effectively. The edtech giant is integrating its operations into three key divisions: the learning app, online classes and tuition centers, and test preparation.

According to the company, this new arrangement will enhance agility, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to seize market opportunities for each division, while leveraging the BYJU’S brand and ecosystem.

Each division will now have independent leaders responsible for sustainable business operations to ensure profitability. This organizational shift follows a comprehensive seven-month operational review and cost optimization initiative led by outgoing CEO Arjun Mohan, who will transition to an external advisory role.

In July 2023, Mohan began working for BYJU’S as CEO of the company’s worldwide division. In September, he was appointed CEO of the company’s Indian division.

Founder and Group CEO Byju Raveendran described the restructuring as the initiation of BYJU’S 3.0, aimed at creating a more agile organization capable of adapting swiftly to changing market dynamics, particularly in personalized education.

Byju Raveendran Takes Direct Control, Focuses on Growth and Profitability Through Streamlined Operations

Raveendran emphasized that by concentrating on core strengths through three specialized business units, the company aims to unlock new growth avenues while maintaining profitability.

Additionally, Raveendran will assume a more hands-on role in leading the company’s daily operations, shifting from his previous focus on strategic aspects such as fundraising and global expansion.

BYJU’S, founded in 2011 by Raveendran and Divya Gokulnath, gained prominence amid pandemic-driven growth and secured substantial venture capital funding. However, the company faced challenges with the onset of the funding winter in 2022, compounded by the reopening of schools and macroeconomic pressures.

The company’s financial performance for FY22 reflected these challenges, with a net loss exceeding INR 8,000 Cr, an 81% surge from the previous fiscal year. Operating revenue, however, increased over 120% year-on-year to INR 5,014.6 Cr, largely driven by improved performance from Aakash.

BYJU’S also experienced delays in disbursing employee salaries due to cash flow constraints. Initially postponed in March, salary payments were eventually completed by April 18, after communication with employees regarding the situation.