AOL has been through three European chiefs in 2006. Rowley was the last of the senior executives to step down, following the sale of its internet service provider business in Europe.
Dhir will oversee the growth of AOL's international portals and review new overseas business opportunities in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Previously he has been working as senior vice-president and country manager in India. Dana Dunne will now serve as head of AOL Europe, reporting to Dhir.
Ron Grant, AOL president and chief operating officer, said: "AOL is in a terrific position to grow internationally, and with Maneesh and Dana, we have a leadership team that can expand our global presence as an advertising-supported web company."
Grant said: "Philip was instrumental in turning our AOL Europe business around, and he positioned AOL Europe as a growing, ad-supported web business. We are grateful for Philip's important contributions to the success of AOL, and wish him all the best."
Carlo d'Asaro Biondo, another former European president of AOL, was appointed as international managing director at French publisher Lagardere in December. He left AOL after completing just six weeks in the role of president at the online firm. Biondo, who was previously chief executive of AOL France and European strategy manager took over from Karen Thomson, who left the company in November 2006.
The end to Thomson's 11 years at the company followed the sell-off of AOL Europe's ISP business, in which she played a major role. In the UK, AOL sold its ISP business to Carphone Warehouse. Thompson joined AOL in 1995 as UK marketing director in the year prior to its launch.
If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .