On the move

Xiaomi’s Barra takes trans-Pacific leap to FB

Hugo Barra, Xiaomi Corp’s vicepresident for the last four years, has quit and returned to the Silicon Valley, where he will head Facebook’s virtual reality division. Barra said he was leaving Xiaomi to rejoin family and friends. He also attributed his decision to environment and health reasons. The former Google executive, known for helping develop the Android operating system, was Xiaomi’s main pitchman to foreign audiences. He was instrumental in making the gadget and appliance maker one of the country’s best-known tech labels. Xiaomi has since been dethroned from the top of the domestic smartphone market by local brands such as Oppo, Huawei, OnePlus and Vivo. In a Facebook post after joining the online social network, Barra said: “I look forward to building the future of immersive technology.”

Isaacs named chairman, interim CEO of Horsehead

Horsehead Holding LLC announced on Jan 17 that its board has appointed Wayne Isaacs, a veteran mining executive and distinguished leader in the base metals industry, as chairman and interim chief executive officer, effective Jan 9. Isaacs will replace James M. Hensler, who has stepped down as CEO to pursue other opportunities. The company also announced that Michael J. Griffin, who previously served as a consultant to the company, has been appointed COO, effective Jan 9.

Richard Lewis is investment director of Downing

Downing LLP has appointed Richard Lewis as invest-