Former Google executive, Cesar Mascaraque has been hired by Ask.com as its new European managing director starting from 4 February 2008.

Mascaraque will be responsible for the European operations for Ask.com. His previous experience at Google as head of strategic partnerships and business development for southern Europe makes him an ideal choice for the post. Before joining Google, Mascaraque was also the co-founder and director for an online asset finance platform Finexia.com.

Mascaraque will be replacing Myles Runham, who was with the company for the last six years, from 2001 onwards. Runham was the vice president of European operations and planning before he was promoted as general manager for Europe in 2006.

This seems like a great move from Ask.com and Google can expect more competition.