Shailesh Rao, managing director (media & platforms) for Google's Asia-Pacific operations has called it quits. February 3 was his last day. Rao is headed to world's largest microblogging site Twitter as vice-president, international operations.
Confirming the news to afaqs, a Google
spokesperson says, "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.
Rao has been employed previously with banking-software firm Yodlee and AOL amongst others. He is a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, a BS from the Wharton School with a concentration in finance, and an MBA from Kellogg School of Management.