Meet Alex Okosi, the new Managing Director for Google Africa
He will now direct Google’s operations in Africa, including programs to help businesses and economies on the continent to grow, as well as expanding access and providing tools to help the next billion users get more from the web.
Alex is from Anambra State, Nigeria and currently the Managing Director of Emerging Markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for YouTube.
“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.”
“Alex has a deep understanding of African countries and a passion for using technology to empower people and businesses,” according to Meir Brand, vice-president, EMEA emerging markets at Google.
Google has been operating in Africa for over a decade and has offices in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. The company’s products and services are used by millions of people in Africa every day.
Before his latest job, Mr Okosi was the Managing Director for YouTube in EMEA Emerging Markets, playing a pivotal role in steering the platform’s growth and expansion across Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey.
Prior to joining YouTube, a subsidiary of Google, he held the position of Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Viacom International Media Networks Africa and BET International.
Okosi was the Executive Vice President and Managing Director of ViacomCBS Networks Africa and BET International. In those roles, he was responsible for driving the development and growth of ViacomCBS Africa home to entertainment brands BET, Comedy Central, MTV, MTV Base, MTV Music, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and NickToons.
He also led the International division of BET for ViacomCBS across Europe, Asia and Africa. With media and entertainment experience amassed across 3 continents over a 21-year span, Okosi has a broad background in Business Development, Corporate Strategy, Advertising Sales, Distribution, Digital Media and General Management.
Okosi’s association with ViacomCBS goes back to 1998 when he joined the Trade Marketing team in New York before moving to Los Angeles where he led distribution efforts for the network as part of the Affiliate Sales and Marketing team.
In 2003, Okosi transferred to the international Strategy and Business Development team in London where he developed the business plan and launched MTV’s first localised channel in Africa, MTV Base, in 2005.
Okosi would go on to spearhead the growth and development of the ViacomCBS business in Africa by launching additional channel brands tailored for the African market including MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, NickToons and BET.
