MUMBAI--Boeing has hired former Rolls-Royce VP Ashmita Sethi for the role of communications director in India.

Sethi spent more than a decade at Rolls-Royce, rising to the position of VP, communications and public affairs. She departs to head Boeing's media relations, acting as the company's principal spokesperson in a key market.

"Our relationship is growing on many levels and this appointment is a critical step in reinforcing our growing presence and commitment to India,” said Boeing  global communications director Charlie Miller.

Sethi arrives at Boeing following the departure earlier this year of Swati Rangachari, who previously headed the company's comms operation in India. Rangachari left the company to become VP of communications and corporate affairs at Ericsson.