Byju’s India CEO steps down, co-founder Raveendran takes charge

Byju Raveendran / Photo credit: Byju’s

In a major restructuring drive, Byju‘s co-founder Byju Raveendran will take over the day-to-day operations of the edtech business from India CEO Arjun Mohan.

After spending seven months reviewing Byju’s operations and spearheading cost optimization exercises at the company, Mohan will now transition to an external advisory role, Byju’s said in a statement.

Following this review, the company is consolidating its businesses into three divisions: the learning app itself, test-prep services, and online classes and tuition center operations. Each vertical will operate independently under its own leadership.

“This new structure will enable each vertical to be nimbler, cost-efficient, and better equipped to capitalize on market opportunities,” said the company.

Over the past four years, Raveendran focused primarily on strategic aspects such as raising capital and driving global expansion.

“By focusing on our core strengths with three specialized business units, we will unlock new growth opportunities while continuing to focus on profitability,” he said.

However, Raveendran taking charge of the company’s daily operations can be a polarizing move, as investors have been pushing for the removal of both him and his wife, Divya Gokulnath, from leadership roles within the firm.

Aside from a legal dispute with investors, Byju’s has been facing severe financial challenges. Its valuation has seen a steep cut of over 95% from US$22 billion at its peak to US$1 billion as it struggles to raise funds, disburse salaries, and pay off debt.

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