Professional networking site, LinkedIn has said that it is appointing Nishant K Rao as the new country manager for India.

Rao will replace Hari V Krishnan, who is being promoted to take on a larger role as the Managing Director of Asia- Pacific and Japan for the company. As the new head of for the company in India, he will look to expand operations and increase his focus on LinkedIn's value proposition of connecting professionals in the country and help them become more successful and productive. The site is also aimed at helping organizations hire, market and sell online.

LinkedIn has more than 18 million users in the country and India has emerged as one of the fastest growing market for the professional network. India has also become the largest market for the company outside of the US.

Rao said adding "Indian marketers and recruiters are fast realizing the potential of LinkedIn's affluent member base and are leveraging the platform for targeted and thought leadership oriented campaigns. I am excited about the opportunity to work with the LinkedIn India team to serve our customers and members in India."

Nishant has worked as Director, Business Operations - Head of Global Sales Strategy at LinkedIn's headquarters in Mountain View.