Shailesh Rao Moves Out From Google To Script Twitter's International Biz

Shailesh Rao, managing director (media & platforms) for Google's Asia-Pacific operations has switched out of the company to the micro-blogging site Twitter. Rao who spent almost six year with Google, is joining Twitter as vice-president of international operations.

According to a report in The Economic Times, which first broke the news, Rao will be involved in setting up Twitter's international business.

Although Rao is yet to update his LinkedIn employment status, Google spokesperson was quoted as confirming the news in separate media reports: "We thank Shailesh for his fantastic contributions to Google and Google India, in particular, and wish him all the best in future."

Rao had joined Google's 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 mid-2007 to head Google's India operations. In mid 2009, he was appointed MD (media & platforms) for Japan and Asia Pacific (JAPAC) region for Google.

Previously, he worked 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.