VCCircle

In a significant development, George Zacharias has quit as the MD of Yahoo India, an official release from the company said. Zacharias is "moving on to pursue his own entrepreneurial interests". Keith Nilsson, VP – International Emerging Markets, based out of Singapore, will step in to head Yahoo India (Editor: Probably as a temporary measure). Zacharias will be with Yahoo for the next 4-6 weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

During Zacharias' time, Yahoo India was active in investing in Indian internet companies with two deals in one year. In 2006, Yahoo India, along with Canaan Partners, invested $8.6 million in BharatMatrimony Group, a consumer internet company with six websites under its belt. It also recently picked up 35 per cent stake in online advertising network Tyroo.

Zacharias joined Yahoo in January 2006 as MD. Prior to this, he was the chief operating officer of Sify Ltd, a position he occupied from March 2000. He was one of the old economy executives who made it big in the online space. Prior to Sify - from 1997 to 2000 - Zacharias was the President of Madura Garments, an apparel company. He has also served in Madura Coats, and Coats Tootal Lanks, a subsidiary of Coats Viyella Plc., in senior capacities. He received a B. Tech from Nagpur University in 1980 and a PGDBM from XLRI, Jamshedpur, in 1982.

It remains to be seen what Zacharias is pursuing. Since he has spent seven years in the online space, it's likely Zacharias will launch something in the digital arena. And it has to be VC-backed too. Any one knows?