Google loses Rao to Twitter

GOOGLE   TWITTER  SHAILESH RAO

Regional - Shailesh Rao, managing director of media and platforms for Google in Asia Pacific has quit the search giant to join the growing social networking site Twitter.

Rao (pictured) is headed to world's largest microblogging site Twitter as vice president, international operations. He starts later this year and will work on the ad side of the business. 

Confirming the news to afaqs!, a Google spokesperson said: "We thank Shailesh for his fantastic contributions to Google and Google India, in particular and wish him the best in his future endeavours."

Rao had joined Google California headquarters in March 2005 as director, local search where he was responsible for worldwide Google Local services and channel program.

He also helped lead launch of Google Maps and Earth across Western Europe and parts of Asia and Latin America. Rao moved to India in 2007 to head the Google's India operations.

He has had stints at banking-software firm Yodlee and AOL amongst others, in the past.

Afaqs!