Alex will oversee Google’s operations in Africa, including programmes to assist African businesses and economies.
“I am excited to share that I have been appointed as the new managing director, Africa, at Google,” Alex Okosi commented recently on a LinkedIn post. “My journey, which began in the vibrant world of media and entertainment, has now led me to the heart of the tech industry, from our YouTube to now, our Google Africa business, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
“This transition represents more than just a change in job title: it’s a testament of my commitment to the future of Africa, to the untapped potential of its people, and the transformative and positive impact that technology will make on the continent,” he added.
As managing director, Alex will also be responsible for growing and expanding access, and offering tools to help the next billion users get more out of the Web.
Alex was the managing director for emerging markets EMEA at YouTube before joining Google. He spent nearly two decades at Viacom International Media Networks, where he held various senior roles, including vice president, senior vice president, and managing director, as well as executive VP and managing director at BET International and VIMN Africa.
He also reflected on his time at MTV Base and Viacom Africa, from laying the groundwork for MTV Base and Viacom Africa, which became a catalyst for transforming African music and content into a global force, to his time as managing director, emerging markets, YouTube EMEA, where he championed the growth of content creators and artists alongside his team.
“Google is a company that is synonymous with innovation, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of a better future. Our company’s mission to make technology universally accessible and useful resonates deeply with me. I am excited to work with our awesome Africa and global teams to continue leveraging our products to empower individuals and transform societies, especially on the African continent.
“This transition is exciting and would not be possible without the support of my dear family, mentors and friends across the world,” his LinkedIn post read.
Alex graduated from St Michael’s College in Vermont with a BSc in business administration and economics. He has also taken part in several executive programmes, including the executive leadership development programme (ELDP) at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, the global leadership and public policy for the 21st century executive programme at Harvard Kennedy School, and the CTAM executive management program at Harvard Business School.
