Following the exit of Mrs. Juliet Ehimuan, who is now a non-executive director at Zenith Bank, Google in Africa has appointed Ogbuefi Akunne Alex Uche Okosi as its substantive Managing Director with immediate effect.
Before now, Ogbuefi Okosi was the Managing Director for YouTube in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) Emerging Markets.
Okosi is a seasoned media, entertainment, and technology leader. Prior to joining YouTube, he held the position of Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Viacom International Media Networks Africa and BET International. In his most recent position at YouTube, Okosi played a pivotal role in steering the platform’s growth and expansion across Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey.
In his new role, Okosi will be responsible for Google’s operations in Africa, including programmes to help businesses and economies on the continent grow, as well as expanding access and providing tools to help the next billion users get more from the Web.
Vice President, EMEA Emerging Markets at Google, Meir Brand, described Okosi as a proven leader with a wealth of experience in the media and technology industries. He attested that the new MD has a deep understanding of African countries and a passion for using 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.”
