Internet search giant Google has appointed Stephen Newton, currently based in the UK, to head up its South African operation.
According to the company, Newton will take the reins at the local office from the beginning of July and is not yet in SA. Google has indicated he will be available for interviews once he is in the country.
"It's an exciting time here, with the 2010 World Cup just around the corner. SA 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,” says Newton.
It is not yet clear whether Newton plans to make any changes to the management of the South African office.
Newton takes over from Stafford Masie, who left the company to focus on his family life.
Newton will not have an easy task, with local businesses unhappy with the way Google has managed its presence in the country.
Last year, Google SA was accused of competition dominance by local online marketing firm Entelligence, a matter that ended up at the Competition Commission. The ongoing complaint accused Google of attempting to take control of Entelligence customers.
Google has denied any action of the kind and has defended its “do no evil” policy in the local market.
Newton says the company is committed to supporting local business and Internet users. “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."
The search engine business has grown its local presence substantially since it opened just over a year ago. One of its biggest deals is its partnership with Faritec, which allows the technology company to sell and implement Google's enterprise solutions.
Since Masie's resignation in March, Google's MD for emerging markets, Mohammad Gawdat, has been managing the South African team.
Newton was internally promoted to the position after a year as the company's head of analytics and commerce for EMEA. He has been in the Internet space for several years. His portfolio of positions includes VP for online advertising organisation Double Click's Ad Exchange, and GM for online market research firm Hitwise UK.
He has an extensive education in political science and law from several US universities.
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