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Alex Okosi, whose full name is Ogbuefi Akunne Alex Uche Okosi, is a prominent Nigerian-born business executive with a distinguished career in the media and entertainment industry. He currently serves as the Managing Director of EMEA Emerging Markets at YouTube.
Early Life Alex Okosi:
Alex Okosi is a Nigerian-born media and technology executive. He is the Managing Director of YouTube EMEA Emerging Markets, responsible for the platform’s growth in Russia, Africa, Middle East and Turkey. He has over 20 years of experience in the media industry, and has held senior positions at ViacomCBS and YouTube.
Alex Okosi began his life and education in Enugu, Nigeria, where he spent his early years.
At the age of 12, he moved to the United States to continue his education.
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He attended various schools across states such as New York, Missouri, Nebraska, and Florida before enrolling at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire. Subsequently, he pursued higher education at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, majoring in business administration and economics, and graduated Magna cum laude in 1998.
He also earned a full scholarship to play Division II basketball for Saint Michael’s, where he excelled both academically and athletically.
Alex Okosi Career:
Alex Okosi’s career is marked by significant achievements in the media and entertainment sector.
Okosi was born in Nigeria and raised in the United States. He graduated from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont with a degree in Business Administration and Economics. He began his career at ViacomCBS in 1999, working in the MTV Trade Marketing team in New York. He later moved to the Affiliate Sales team, and then the International Strategy & Business Development team.
In 2003, Okosi authored the business plan for ViacomCBS’ first channel business in Africa, MTV Base. After the channel launched in 2005, Okosi led its growth into a 10-channel, pan-African multiplex with 100+ million viewers. He also launched the MTV Africa Music Awards in 2009.
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In 2018, Okosi was promoted to Executive Vice President and Managing Director of ViacomCBS Africa. In this role, he was responsible for the company’s entertainment business on the African continent. He also led the launch of several new channels and platforms, including BET Africa and Channel O.
Okosi joined YouTube in April 2020 as the Managing Director of YouTube EMEA Emerging Markets. In this role, he is responsible for driving the growth of YouTube in the region. He has played a key role in landing YouTube’s $100M Black Voices Fund in EMEA and partnering with Idris Elba to launch the annual Africa Day Benefit Concert.
Okosi is a frequent speaker at industry events, and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. He is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders community.
Okosi is a passionate advocate for the power of media and technology to drive positive change. He is committed to using his platform to promote diversity and inclusion, and to supporting the next generation of African leaders.
Here are some of the awards and recognitions that Alex Okosi has received:
- Young Global Leader, World Economic Forum (2013)
- All Africa Business Leader Award Finalist (2018)
- Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) (2019)
- Powerlist 100 Most Influential Black People in the UK (2021, 2022)
Alex Okosi is a trailblazing figure in the media and technology industry. He is a visionary leader who has helped to shape the future of entertainment and communication in Africa.
ViacomCBS:
Before joining YouTube, Okosi spent an impressive 22 years at ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global). During his tenure, he held various key positions, including Executive Vice President and Managing Director of ViacomCBS Africa.
He was responsible for leading the BET International brand and ViacomCBS’s global events business. Notably, he played a crucial role in launching MTV’s first TV channel in Africa, MTV Base, and expanding Viacom’s entertainment business across the African continent. In 2009, he initiated the MTV Africa Music Awards.
YouTube:
In 2020, Alex Okosi made a significant move to YouTube, where he assumed the role of Managing Director for EMEA Emerging Markets. He played a pivotal role in driving YouTube’s growth and expansion across Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey.
Google:
In a noteworthy development, it was announced that Alex Okosi would take on the role of Managing Director for Google in Africa. In this capacity, he is responsible for overseeing Google’s operations on the continent. His role includes implementing programs to support business growth and economic development in Africa while expanding access to technology and online resources.
Throughout his career, Alex Okosi has demonstrated a deep understanding of the media and technology industries, particularly within African markets. He is recognized as a leader who leverages technology to empower individuals and businesses.
His journey from Nigeria to becoming a prominent executive in global media and technology companies reflects his dedication and accomplishments in the industry.
