Sandvik Mining and Construction (SMC) announced the appointment of Simon Meester as the company's new President in India. Simon's appointment became effective February 2011 and he has already taken charge of his responsibilities in India. He will be based in SMC's head office in Pune. He takes over from Shib Bhowmik who is also the Segment Head for Surface Mining Segment, Sandvik Mining & Construction for West Asia. Bhowmik was temporarily handling both responsibilities. Simon is keen to begin his new role by travelling around the country and understanding the local market and its dynamics.