Hotstar Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ajit Mohan has been named Facebook India's vice-president and managing director, said Facebook on Monday.

Facebook had been in a search for an India head, which was vacant after former managing director Umang Bedi's departure in October last year. Mohan is expected to assume an enhanced role at Facebook India, reportedly after a rearrangement of its India operations by the company.

"India is one of the largest and most strategically important countries for Facebook. As we think about what it will take to achieve our mission of bringing people together and building community, we know that investment in India is critical. Ajit's depth of experience will help us to continue to have a positive impact in India across communities, organisations, businesses and with policy makers," said David Fischer, Vice-President of Business and Marketing Partnerships, Facebook Inc.

"I am delighted to take on the mantle of shaping Facebook's charter in India. It is a unique opportunity to shape the agenda of a company that has brought the world closer together in one of the most exciting markets in the world. I look forward to championing India in Facebook and working with stakeholders across the spectrum to help build deep and meaningful communities across the country," said Mohan.

Mohan will report to David Fischer, Facebook's global VP of business and marketing partnerships, who is based in the company's US headquarters in Menlo Park. Fischer was also responsible for leading the headhunt for the India VP and MD.