(25 January 2007 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: US internet services firm AOL has announced that Maneesh Dhir will lead the company's international operations as executive VP, reporting directly to AOL president and COO Ron Grant.

In this role, Dhir will oversee the growth of AOL's international portals and review new overseas business opportunities in Europe, Asia and the Americas, working from the company's offices in Bangalore.

Dhir has a wealth of experience at AOL, most recently as senior VP and country manager in India. There, Dhir led all of the company's operations, including technology development, back-office operations, and call center operations.

In addition, AOL has also announced that Dana Dunne will serve as head of AOL Europe, reporting to Dhir.

Grant says, "AOL is in a terrific position to grow internationally, and with Maneesh and Dana, we have a leadership team that can expand our global presence as an advertising-supported Web company".