Google Exec Moves To Friendster
"Friendster is growing at an enormous rate in Asia Pacific and is clearly leading the competition," said Kimber in a statement. "With more than 75 million users, it is clear that Friendster has already made a dramatic impact. I look forward to growing our business further as we continue our global growth and strong focus on Asia."
Today Friendster also announced that it has closed a $20 million funding deal with new investor IDG Ventures. As part of the venture capital deal, IDG general partner Butch Reddy is also joining Friendster's board of directors.
Both Kimber's appointment and Friendster's new funds are part of a Friendster initiative to greatly expand in the Asia Pacific market.
"With the addition of Richard, Butch and the new funding, Friendster will continue to expand its worldwide footprint and take advantage of its leadership position in Asia Pacific," said Russ Siegelman, partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers and chairman of the board for Friendster, in a statement.
Kimber is not the only Google executive to leave in recent months. Earlier this year, former Google vice president for global sales and operations Sheryl Sandberg took the COO position at Facebook, and former Google CIO Douglas Merrill jumped ship to go to EMI Music as president of digital business.