Update: We've received confirmation from an Apple spokesperson that Maneesh Dhir has joined Apple as the companys "new Country Sales Manager for India, responsible for the day-to-day operations in the region." Earlier: MediaNama had learned from multiple sources that Maneesh Dhir, former EVP (International) and MD (India) for AOL, is joining Apple India as Country Sales Manager. Despite several attempts at contacting Dhir, he isn't taking our calls or responding our SMS'. On calling the Apple India board line and asking to be connected to Maneesh Dhir, we were put through to his secretary, who told us that Dhir has joined the company, and is currently travelling. Subsequent attempts to reach Dhir have not yielded a response. We're awaiting a response from Apple, and will update when we have an official response. In July last year, Apple India lost its chief Alok Sharma who had led the firm for five years and was reportedly responsible for growing its operations from $10 million to $100 million. Tom Preising, Director, Sales Operations for Apple EMEA had taken over as country head for India. Dhir had quit as EVP (International) for AOL and MD of AOL India in February 2009 and was believed to be planning to start up. He was was responsible for all of AOLs overseas business development in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Under Dhir, AOL International expanded their presence from four to 38 countries, and set up their call center and development operations in Bangalore. They also set up an India portal – AOL India. Dhir had been…
