MUMBAI: Internet giant Google has lost its senior executive to micro-blogging site Twitter.

Google MD (media & platforms) Asia Pacific operations Shailesh Rao has quit and will be joining Twitter as VP – international operations.

3 February was Rao‘s last day at Google. Google‘s 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, 41, had moved to India in 2007 to head Google India. Prior to that he was with Google‘s California headquarter, serving as director, local search. He was instrumental in launching of Google Maps and Earth across Western Europe and parts of Asia and Latin America.

Rao has also worked with Yodlee and AOL amongst others and holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, a BS from the Wharton School, and an MBA from The Kellogg School of Management.