Google Australia and New Zealand MD Nick Leeder has resigned from the top job Down Under to head up Google France.

Leeder completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at INSEAD in France, is married to a French woman and speaks the language fluently.

He will start his new role in April and wrap up in Australia at the end of March.

Leeder was appointed boss of the local Google operation in January 2011. Prior to Google he was deputy CEO of The Australian, and chief operating officer of News Digital Media.

Google is looking for a replacement internally and externally and there is a job offer online, accessible here.

Leeder said: “My time with Google Australia and New Zealand has been one of the highlights of my career.

“The team here is doing tremendous things to help local partners, advertisers, and users. It’s been an honour to be part of it. I look forward to watching Google’s contribution to Australia and New Zealand grow in the coming years.”