Google South Africa today announced Alistair Mokoena will take up the role of country director.
He replaces Luke Mckend, who left the role in November 2018 after spending 11 years with Google to become director of Africa, Southern and Eastern Europe at LinkedIn, his profile on the professional social network shows.
In a statement, the Internet search giant says Mokoena, who has most recently served as Ogilvy South Africa CEO, has a long history in the South African advertising sector and is well known and respected.
Mokoena will take up his new post in April and will oversee the commercial business for Google SA.
Google Africa director Nitin Gajria says Google is excited to welcome Mokoena to the Africa team.
“Google is working hard to bring more Africans online, to unlock economic opportunities through working with local communities, and to make our products more helpful to Africans on the African continent. Mokoena’s knowledge and expertise will be key to helping us deliver on these goals in the local market.”
Says Mokoena: “The digital economy presents many challenges and opportunities – particularly in developing markets like South Africa’s. Technology is mainstream and the online, digital world is no longer a challenger to the offline world.
“I am looking forward to joining Google SA, which is well-positioned to help South African organisations navigate a rapidly-changing landscape as the online and offline worlds converge.”
Prior to serving as CEO, Mokoena was MD of Ogilvy South Africa, having also worked at Absa, SAB, Tiger Brands, Unilever and Mondelez over the course of his career.
He holds an LLB from Rhodes University, an MBA from MANCOSA and is working towards a PhD from the North West University School of Business, due for completion this year. He is chairman of the board of the Interactive Advertising Bureau South Africa and was recently appointed professor of practice by the Johannesburg Business School.
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