Fast-rising smartphone maker Xiaomi hired Qualcomm’s president of Greater China, Wang Xiang, as senior VP of strategic cooperation.

Wang (pictured) spent 13 years with Qualcomm, which is a chip supplier to the smartphone maker and was an early investor.

Lei Jun, Xiaomi’s founder and CEO, said in a statement: “Wang has played an important role in establishing the partnership of Qualcomm and Xiaomi. I believe his rich experience in [the] mobile industry will boost the development of Xiaomi further.”

VP Hugo Barra said that with more than 20 years of experience in the communications industry, he is “a true expert in the mobile ecosystem who will help Xiaomi build up its strategic relationships”.

Xiaomi has been the top smartphone brand in China since August and was ranked fifth globally in Q1. It is also the number 2 maker of wearable devices in the world.

Meanwhile, Qualcomm named Frank Meng as chairman for China effective 15 June. Meng, with 30 years of telecoms experience, was Qualcomm’s president of Greater China from 2008 to 2010. Prior to rejoining, he was president of 21Vianet Group.

China accounts for half of Qualcomm’s revenues. But the San Diego-based chipmaker has faced major obstacles in China, including a year-long government probe into anti-competitive practices. It was fined CNY6.088 billion ($975 million) in February by the country’s antitrust regulator and agreed to modify its licensing practices.

The company has been working to build its ties with Chinese device makers as it faces rising competition from Asian semiconductor firms.