Alex Okosi, a Nigerian business executive, has been appointed the new Managing Director of Africa, at the global technology giant, Google.
In his new role, Okosi will be leading Google in driving innovation and expanding digital accessibility across the African continent. He will also be responsible for spearheading the technology company’s vision in Africa, strengthening and forging partnerships that will spur next-generation technologies.
While announcing his new position on his LinkedIn page, he wrote “I am excited to share that I have been appointed as the new Managing Director, Africa, at Google. 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 to 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.”
Prior his appointment, Okosi was the Managing Director, Emerging Markets, YouTube EMEA at YouTube where he set the strategy to drive profitable growth for YouTube in the region and ensured the success of creators in music, art, gaming & media. He played a key role in landing the company’s $100M Black Voices Fund in EMEA, and partnered with Idris Elba to launch the annual Africa Day Benefit Concert.
He also worked at ViacomCBS where he spent over 22 years, started his career in the MTV Trade Marketing team in New York, before moving to Affiliate Sales, and subsequently the International Strategy & Business Development team (LA/London). In 2003, he authored the business plan for ViacomCBS’ first channel business in Africa, MTV Base. After the 2005 launch, Okosi led and scaled the business into a 10-channel, pan-African multiplex with 100+ million viewers.
He created innovative and disruptive initiatives while at Viacom which include MTV Africa Music Awards, MTV Base Meets, Nickelodeon’s Genius, Comedy Central Africa International Festival, NickFest, & BET Experience Africa. Passionate about developing talent and creativity, Alex championed campaigns that would unearth global talent such as Trevor Noah, Lupita Nyong’o, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Nomzamo Mbatha.
Okosi’s achievements have been recognised by accolades such as World Economic Forum Young Global Leader; All Africa Business Leader Award Finalist; Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Marketing of Nigeria; Ai Investment & Business Leader Awards: “Up & Coming Future Leader of the Year”. He featured in New African Magazine’s “Africa’s 50 Trailblazers Under 50” and “Top 100 most Influential Africans”.
In 2021, Okosi joined the Powerlist 2022 as one of the UK’s 100 most influential people of African heritage, repeating the accolade in 2022 as a member of Powerlist 2023.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Economics from Saint Michael’s College as well as CTAM Executive Management Program from Harvard Business School.
