Nigeria’s Alex Okosi, the current Managing Director for YouTube in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) Emerging Markets, has been named the Managing Director (MD) for Google in Africa.
Okosi is an accomplished media, entertainment, and technology executive. He was previously the Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Viacom International Media Networks Africa and BET International before joining YouTube. In his most recent post at YouTube, Okosi was instrumental in directing the platform’s growth and expansion throughout Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey.
In his new post, Okosi will be in charge of Google’s operations in Africa, including programs to help African businesses and economies flourish, as well as extending access and offering tools to enable the next billion Internet users get more out of the Web.
Meir Brand, Google’s Vice President of EMEA Emerging Markets, described Okosi as an accomplished leader with extensive expertise in the media and technology industries. He stated that the new MD has a thorough understanding of African countries as well as a strong desire to use technology to empower people and businesses.
Reacting to his appointment, Okosi said: “I am excited at the prospect of leading Google’s team in Africa and the opportunity to be an even closer part of this diverse and dynamic region, which is so close to my heart,” said Okosi. “I’m a firm believer in the potential for technology and, in particular, the internet to improve people’s lives and to help individuals and businesses in Africa to thrive.”
