Google India (Sales & Operations) MD Shailesh Rao has been appointed MD (Media & Platforms) for Japan and Asia Pacific (JAPAC), MediaNama had learned from reliable sources. A Google India spokesperson confirmed the development when contacted. This is an additional responsibility, and Rao will continue in his role of MD (Sales & Operations) in India and be based out of Gurgaon, India.
The Media & Platforms segment comprises of Google’s Display and YouTube businesses. Of late, both segments have emerged as key focus areas for the company: Google is expecting tremendous growth from the display business, and monetization of YouTube has become a priority for the company. During their earnings conference call a fortnight ago, Google had mentioned that they’re moving towards long form video and pre-rolls for monetizing premium content for YouTube. Rao’s focus is likely to be on both monetization through display and video advertising, and the signing up of premium content partners for YouTube in the region.
The official statement from a Google spokesperson:
Shailesh, who has been Managing Director of Sales and Operations in India for the last two years, has taken on the role of Managing Director of Media and Platforms for JAPAC. Media and Platforms represent a key focus area for Google across the globe. JAPAC is no exception – we have a very solid Google Content Network, and incredible properties like Orkut and YouTube, representing tremendous opportunities.
The new role of Managing Director of Media & Platforms for JAPAC is an additional responsibility for Shailesh. He would continue in his role of Managing Director of Sales and Operations in India and be based out of Gurgaon, India.
