TheCable

Alex Okosi, Nigerian-born tech expert and managing director, Emerging Markets, YouTube EMEA, has been recognised in the United Kingdom 2022 Powerlist.

Okosi joined other tech experts to receive the black excellence awards at the Savoy Hotel in London for the second year.

The Youtube managing director was first selected for the UK Powerlist in October 2021 after joining YouTube in 2020, following a long and illustrious career at Viacom International Media Networks Africa (now Paramount International Networks).

He also introduced entertainment brands like MTV Base, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and BET to the African continent.

Okosi was also instrumental in persuading Viacom to introduce localised channel brands in Africa, starting with MTV Base in 2005, and after moving to YouTube, he continued to support initiatives that empower African creators and businesses, such as the black voices fund.

The tech expert, who is an executive member of the Google and YouTube committees that drive and deliver the brands’ racial equity commitments across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), was awarded for championing African creativity, culture, and empowerment.

Receiving the award, Okosi said it was a dream come through.

“Growing up first in Nigeria and later in the USA in the mid-1980s, I found black role models were few and far between; I chose my role models from sportspeople and entertainers because those were the only black faces I saw in the media, in films, and on TV,” he said.

“Fast forward to now, and I am beyond thrilled to see the incredible range of representation and diversity highlighted by the UK Powerlist 2023. Recognising extraordinary leaders of African, Afro-Caribbean and African-American heritage, the list goes beyond sports and entertainment to encompass management, retail, the arts, finance, tech, history, academia, fashion, design, politics, law, entrepreneurship, social investment, and much more.

“While the goal of equal representation is still a way off, I am thankful that my kids and your kids and their kids after them will have these shining role models and many more to inspire and lead them.”

Okosi also lauded the award team for the recognition.

Other black tech leaders who made the UK Powerlist 2022, include; Ije Nwokorie (Apple), Anne-Marie Imafidon (CEO & Co-Founder, STEMettes), Nneka Abulokwe (founder and CEO, MicroMax consulting), Rob Pierre (CEO, Jellyfish), Simon Hepburn (CEO, UK cybersecurity council), Claudia Natanson (chair, UK cybersecurity council), Linda Morant (chief digital officer, The Crown Estate).

The Powerlist, in partnership with J.P. Morgan, honours incredible men and women across a wide range of industries including business, science, technology and the arts.