Nigerian-born Alex Okosi has been appointed the new Google Managing Director for Africa and is expected to spearhead its innovation and grow its digital operations in the continent.

Okosi is set to steer Google’s programs to expand African businesses and economies, expand access and provide tools to aid the next billion users get the best from the Web.

Before his latest posting by the tech giant, he was the Managing Director for YouTube in Europe, Middle East and Africa and Emerging Markets.

“Alex is a proven leader with a wealth of experience in the media and technology industries,” said Google Vice President, EMEA Emerging Markets, Meir Brand.

He added, “He has a deep understanding of African countries and a passion for using technology to empower people and businesses.”

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Okosi previously served in various executive position in the ICT sector including as Executive VP and MD of Viacom International Media Networks Africa as well as BET International.

Google credits Okosi with driving the growth and expansion of YouTube Shorts and YouTube Kids app across Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey, while serving as YouTube MD, EMEA.

“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,” Okosi said on the appointment.

He added: “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.”

Google has been operating in Africa for more than 10 years and has established offices in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.

Alex Okosi graduated with great distinction with a dual major in Business Administration and Economics from St Michael’s College in Vermont, US, in 1988.

After joining ViacomCBS’s Trade Marketing team in 1998, he rose through the ranks to spearhead its entertainment business for Africa.

While serving as ViacomCBS Africa’s Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Okosi steered the network’s global events business as well as the BET International brand.

The 47-year-old is credited with unveiling MTV Base, MTV’s inaugural TV channel in Africa, in 2005, as well as Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, NickToons and BET, all tailored for Africa.

He also championed MTV Africa Music Awards, BET Experience Africa, MTV Base Meets, MTV Shuga, Nickelodeon Genius, Comedy Central Africa International Festival among others.

His career spans 21 years in media and entertainment sectors with proficiency in Business Development, Advertising Sales, Corporate Strategy, Digital Media, Distribution, and General Management.

Alex Okosi was commemorated as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2013 and was an All Africa Business Leader Award Finalist in 2018.

He was an honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) in 2019 and has been featured as a thought-leader in BBC, CNN and Forbes among other top media houses.

In 2022, he was picked for UK Powerlist, which hails the top 100 of UK’s most prominent people of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage in a variety of industries.