(Reuters) – Amazon.com (NASDAQ:) on Wednesday named Samir Kumar, a 25-year veteran, as its recent head of its India division, replacing Manish Tiwary, who stepped down last month after an eight-year tenure.

Kumar, who was part of the team that launched Amazon India in 2013, will take over from Tiwary on October 1, in addition to his current role leading Amazon’s consumer businesses in the Middle East, South Africa and Turkey.

Amazon previously said Tiwary had resigned to pursue opportunities outside the company, but did not provide details.

The management change comes as Amazon is rapidly expanding in India, where it plans to invest $26 billion by 2030, but is also facing strict regulations that force the company to operate exclusively in its marketplace.

“India remains a high priority for Amazon and I am very excited about the opportunity that lies ahead,” said Amit Agarwal, senior vice president of emerging markets at Amazon.