Former Google, Xiaomi exec is joining Facebook to lead its VR efforts

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January 26, 2017 4:39 PM

Hugo Barra joined Xiaomi from Google, where he helped developed the Android operating system.

Hugo Barra

Earlier this week, reports revealed that former Google exec Hugo Barra was leaving Xiaomi for Silicon Valley due to health reasons.

As it turns out, Barra will be joining Facebook to lead all of its virtual reality efforts including heading Oculus.

Here's Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's announcement of the move via a Facebook post: "I've known Hugo for a long time, starting when he helped develop the Android operating system, to the last few years he's worked at Xiaomi in Beijing bringing innovative devices to millions of people.

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Hugo shares my belief that virtual and augmented reality will be the next major computing platform. They'll enable us to experience completely new things and be more creative than ever before. Hugo is going to help build that future, and I'm looking forward to having him on our team."

Barra also made the announcement via his Twitter handle:

Hugo Barra joined Xiaomi from Google, where he helped developed the Android operating system.

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