Alex Okosi – Google Africa’s new managing director

Alexander Bombande September 05, 2023 0

Google has named Alex Okosi, the current Managing Director for YouTube in EMEA Emerging Markets, as the new Managing Director for Google in Africa. The announcement was made by Google on Tuesday, signalling a strategic move to strengthen its presence and impact on the African continent.

In his new role, Alex Okosi will assume responsibility for overseeing Google's operations in Africa. This includes spearheading initiatives aimed at fostering business growth and economic development across the continent. Additionally, Okosi will focus on expanding internet accessibility and providing valuable digital tools to empower the next billion users in Africa to harness the full potential of the internet.

Alex Okosi is a distinguished Nigerian-American leader with extensive experience in the media, entertainment, and technology sectors. His career has been marked by significant contributions to the growth and expansion of prominent digital platforms.

Notably, while serving as the Managing Director of YouTube EMEA Emerging Markets, Okosi played a pivotal role in driving the platform's expansion throughout Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey. His achievements include securing the $100 million Black Voice Fund for YouTube in EMEA and co-launching the annual Africa Day Benefit Concert in collaboration with actor and musician Idris Elba. Additionally, he served as an executive member of the Google and YouTube committees dedicated to advancing racial equity commitments in the EMEA region.

Prior to his tenure at YouTube, Alex Okosi held the position of Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Viacom International Media Networks Africa and BET International. In this role, he was responsible for the development and growth of ViacomCBS Africa, home to popular entertainment brands such as BET, Comedy Central, MTV, MTV Base, MTV Music, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., and Nicktoons. Moreover, Okosi led the International division of BET for ViacomCBS across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

With over 21 years of experience spanning three continents, Okosi possesses a diverse background in Business Development, Corporate Strategy, Advertising Sales, Distribution, Digital Media, and General Management.

Alex Okosi's journey with ViacomCBS dates back to 1998 when he joined the Trade Marketing team in New York. He later relocated to Los Angeles, where he played a key role in distribution efforts for the network as part of the Affiliate Sales and Marketing team. In 2003, he transitioned to the International Strategy and Business Development team in London, where he successfully developed the business plan and launched MTV's first localized channel in Africa, MTV Base, in 2005. His visionary leadership continued to drive the growth and development of ViacomCBS's presence in Africa, leading to the launch of additional channel brands tailored to the African market, including MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, NickToons, and BET.

With this latest appointment, Alex Okosi is set to bring his wealth of experience and strategic acumen to Google as it seeks to play an even more significant role in shaping Africa's digital future.