The face of FB India ; Kirthiga Reddy was drawn to India from the US.

How does Kirthiga Reddy stay in touch with her friends and familyback in the United States? She, like millions others, relies onFacebook. Reddy, however, would know a thing or two more about thesocial networking website than most common folk. She is, after all,Director of Online Operations and Head of Office India at Facebook.

Kirthiga Reddy Head of Office India, Facebook

Previous employer: Phoenix Technologies, US

Why i came back : After frequent workrelated visits to India, onecould clearly sense the change happening in India and how it was theplace to be professionally and personally

If I was not in India: Unlikely since India is where I want tobe. If not then still be in a global leadership role in the US

High point in India: Joining Facebook and having an opportunityto build Facebook India from the ground up

Low point in India: Despite India being a happening place, thereis still a great deal of room for improvement on issues likeaccountability and transparency"When I chose to move back to Indiain January 2008, I became an active user of Facebook to keep myhusband - then still in the US (now back in India) - connected aboutthings related with our two daughters. Also, having lived in the USfor 14 years, Facebook allows me to connect with my friends there,"says Reddy.

In July this year, Reddy became the first Facebook Indiaemployee. Her mandate: set up the office - in Hyderabad - and ateam. Today, Facebook India is in a hiring mode but would not shareits India headcount numbers. Its India outpost, apparently, has avital role to play.

"We are working with users, developers and advertisers - ourthree crucial constituents - on a global basis. We have to ensurethe operations are safe and trusted for users; we have to foster anecosystem for developers; and we have to help advertisers leveragethe platform of Facebook to reach out and engage with users," saysReddy.

The years ahead promise to be exciting as Reddy attempts to buildan organisation in India that is rooted in, what she says, "theglobal Facebook culture and values".

Personally, it is going to be about "fostering the nextgeneration of women leaders in India; driving children's causes liketheir safety and access to education; and making an impact at anational level". India is where she wants to be, and with so manygoals, Reddy is going to be a very busy woman in the years ahead.You could keep track of her on Facebook.