Shailesh Rao quits Google to join Twitter

Rao was the managing director (media & platforms) for the internet giant's Asia-pacific operations.

Shailesh Rao, managing director (media &platforms) for Google's Asia-Pacific operations has called it quits, with February 3 being his last day with the company. Rao is headed to the 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 joined Google California headquarters in March 2005 as director, local search, where he was responsible for worldwide Google local services and channel programme. He also helped lead the launch of Google Maps and Earth across Western Europe and parts of Asia and Latin America. Rao moved to India in 2007 to head Google's India operations.

Rao has been employed previously with the banking-software firm Yodlee and AOL, amongst others. He holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, a BS from the Wharton School in Finance, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.