Nokia Siemens Networks has announced the appointment of Sandeep Girotra to lead its business in India. Girotra will be based in Gurgaon and his appointment is effective from October 1, 2011. Girotra is currently responsible for a number of key customer accounts in India as a sub-region head.

Ashish Chowdhary, head of customer operations east and a member of the company’s executive board, has been acting as head for its India business since January 2011. In his new role, Girotra will report to Chowdhary. The India region forms part of Nokia Siemens Networks customer operations east along with its business in Asia Pacific, China, Japan and the Middle East.

“I am delighted that Sandeep, who has led a number of key accounts in India with great strength and professionalism, will step up to this role,” said Chowdhary. “Sandeep brings a strong track record of delivering growth and profitability over his 15 years at Nokia Siemens Networks and Nokia Networks. He has played an instrumental role in our strong performance in India.”

Girotra’s experience spans telecoms, information technology, test equipment and telecom services. The majority of his two decade career has been spent at Nokia Siemens Networks and formerly Nokia Networks, where he held a number of executive positions in key account management, strategy, business development and business solution sales. In those roles, he has been credited with driving new business, enhancing software sales and developing deep relationships with major customers.

“I am privileged to lead the India region at a juncture when the Indian telecom industry is ready for the next phase of transformation,” said Girotra. “Reiterating our commitment to India, we recently announced that Nokia Siemens Networks is India’s largest international telecom infrastructure manufacturer. That, combined with the fact that we are the leading 3G infrastructure and services partner in the country with 30% market share, makes it clear that Nokia Siemens Networks plays, and will continue to play, a leading role in the overall development of the country’s telecommunications industry.”