YouTube hires former ViacomCBS exec as MD for EMEA emerging markets

YouTube has hired Alex Okosi, formerly of ViacomCBS Networks Africa, as its managing director of emerging markets for EMEA.

In this role, Okosi will be responsible for running the Google-owned company’s business and partnership teams across emerging markets in EMEA including Russia, the Middle East, North and Sub Saharan Africa.

Okosi joins from ViacomCBS Networks Africa where he served as EVP and managing director of that and also BET International. The exec’s biography notes that he has spent 21 years working in the entertainment industry spread across three continents, an aspect which attracted YouTube to him.

Okosi said: “YouTube is a game-changing platform that plays an increasingly important role in our lives today through the dynamic content and innovation that it delivers. I am very excited to be joining Cecile’s leadership team to continue empowering creators and elevating value for viewers and partners across the region.”

Cécile Frot-Coutaz, head of YouTube EMEA, said: “I look forward to welcoming Alex to our YouTube EMEA leadership team. He brings a wealth of experience in the content industries and has a track record for building businesses and audiences in established and new markets. Alex will be leading our existing teams in Russia, Sub Saharan Africa, Turkey, the Middle East and North Africa to drive further expansion in these key markets.”