Google – American multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products has appointed James Manyika from Zimbabwe as its first Senior Vice President of Technology and Society.
This announcement was revealed via a statement by Sundar Pichai,Chief Executive Officer of Alphabet (Google’s parent Company), who expressed happiness at the appointment of Manyika.
He said, “I’m thrilled that James Manyika will be joining Google’s leadership team. He’s spent decades working at the intersection of technology and society and has advised a number of businesses, academic institutions and governments along the way”.
Manyika’s new role at Google as SVP of Technology and Society means he will aid the company explore technological impacts on society and shape the tech giant’s perspective on subjects including Artificial Intelligence, the future of work, sustainability and other areas that could make a significant difference.
Also, with Google facing different antitrust lawsuits, increasingly tougher regulations and protests over its treatment of employees, this appointment can be seen as the tech giant’s attempt to address these issues directly.
Prior to his appointment, Manyika got his first degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Zimbabwe, and then went on to get two Masters degrees and a PHD from the University of Oxford.
He spent 28 years at McKinsey, becoming Senior Partner and Chairman of the McKinsey Global Institute, which helps companies and governments make decisions based on economic and cultural trends.
Manyika has advised the chief executives and founders of many of the world’s leading tech companies on strategy and growth, product, and business innovation.
Manyika was appointed by President Obama as Vice Chair of the Global Development Council at the White House, and by two US Commerce Secretaries to the Digital Economy Board and the National Innovation Board.
He also serves on the boards of research institutes at Harvard, MIT, Oxford, Stanford and other top-tier schools.
