Social networking site Bebo has appointed Google's ex-managing director of strategic partnerships Joanna Shields to head up its international expansion.

Shields was responsible for Google partnerships in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, including the search engine's deal with BSkyB.

She joins Bebo as president, international, and will work from the company's new London office. Shields will report to company co-founder and CEO Michael Birch.

Bebo claims eight million active users in the UK - each user spends an average of 145 minutes per day on the site. ®