Rajan Anandan, the former Managing Director of Microsoft, has joined search giant Google as the Vice President (Sales and Operations) and Head of India region.

Google, which reported a global revenues of USD 23.65 billion in 2009, has close to 2,000 people in India.

"India is an important growth country for Google. With Internet users growing at 50 per cent year-on-year, a strong leadership team will ensure that Google captures this tremendous opportunity," Google President (Japan and Asia-Pacific Operations) Daniel Alegre said in a statement.

Shailesh Rao has been covering two roles -- as Japan and Asia-Pacific Managing Director (Media and Platform Sales) as well as MD and Head of Sales for Google India.

"Rao will remain in Gurgaon, but will now focus full time on media and platform sales business for Google. He has been instrumental in getting India off the ground from a start-up to a scaled-up and successful business operation, with revenues and headcount growing substantially," Alegre said.

Previously, Anandan was associated with Microsoft India and was responsible for all aspects of Microsoft's software, OEM and services business in India.

Prior to joining Microsoft, he served as the Vice President and Country General Manager of Dell India and Partner with McKinsey & Company in Chicago.