BANGALORE: Prasad Bhaarat Ram, Yahoo India's chief technology officer, has joined rival Google as head of its engineering and site operations at its Research and Development centre in the city.

Ram, whose appointment is effective immediately, will lead engineering operations and product innovation at the centre, Google said.

"Ram brings to Google a wealth of experience in technology development and organisation building, as well as a deep knowledge of the local Indian market," said Alam Eustace, Vice-President of Engineering at Google.

"Under the leadership of Ram, the Google India R and D centre will develop even more innovative products and technologies for millions of Google users in India and around the world," he said.

Ram has over 15 years experience in computer science research and engineering, and has worked extensively in software and online industries, it said. Bangalore was among Google's first global engineering offices.