Google South Africa today announced the appointment of a new country manager to run its local operation in Johannesburg. Stephen Newton, former Google Head of Analytics & Commerce for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), has been named as Google SA country manager.<\/p>\n
“Newton brings extensive online experience to his new role, helping to increase the flow of information in South Africa by getting businesses online and helping South Africans benefit from Google’s free online services,” Google said in a press statement. Before joining Google, Newton was Vice President of Double Click’s Ad Exchange and General Manager of Hitwise UK.<\/p>\n
“It’s an exciting time here, with the 2010 World Cup just around the corner” says Newton. “South Africa is the continent’s Internet and e-commerce hub, and the coming years promise significant growth for small businesses wanting to benefit from increased connectivity. Google remains excited about improving access to information for local South African users, and bringing our learnings in search and advertising from around the world to Africa’s entrepreneurial heart.”<\/p>\n
Newton takes over from Stafford Masie who left Google SA at the end of April, and will take up his position on the 1st of July 2009.<\/p>\n