Search giant Google has appointed Nick Leeder as its new trans-Tasman managing director after months of searching. He starts his new post in March.
Leeder replaces Karim Temsamani, who moved to Google’s US headquarters in August 2010.
Google has seen a number of senior executives leave the company lately including the local head of YouTube, Kate Vale, and Google Maps co-founder, Lars Rasmussen.
Leeder previously worked at News Limited as the chief operating officer of News Digital Media and deputy CEO of The Australian.
His predecessor, Temsamani, worked in rival media firm, Fairfax, before joining Google.
“In the next year, Nick will help us to increase our investment locally and better serve our users, advertisers, and partners,” Google Asia-Pacific and Japan president, Daniel Alegre, said in a statement.
“Google is investing significantly in Australia and New Zealand to help businesses of all sizes, from small and large advertisers to advertising agencies and publishers, grow online.”