Google chooses boss for new SA operation

GOOGLE is opening an office in South Africa to be managed by Stafford Masie, head of the local operation of US computer group Novell for the past four years.

“Google wants to help ensure that South Africans have greater access to information and that businesses are able to make the most of the opportunities offered by the Internet,” the US search-engine giant said in a statement yesterday.

“In this newly created role, Masie will be responsible for building Google’s advertising and applications business in South Africa, as well as expanding the company's strategic partnerships in the region.”

Sales from outside the United States accounted for 48percent of Google’s revenue in the second quarter, up from 42percent a year earlier.

Google’s African expansion also includes opening offices in Egypt and Kenya.

Google announced the appointment of Joe Mucheru as the head of its Kenyan office.

Google advertised three positions in this country in its jobs section, including South African country manager.

The other two, vertical account manager and a multi-sector vertical head, appear to have been filled since they are no longer on the site.

“The leadership and experience that Stafford Masie brings to Google will be an invaluable asset in developing our operations in South Africa,” said Mohammad Gawdat, Managing Director Google, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Stafford has a proven track record of success in the SA market and will accelerate our efforts to create a truly local presence for our users, partners and advertisers in the region.

Google corporate communications manager Ema Linaker told The Times: “We’re not yet in a position to comment further as Stafford has yet to join us officially and we won’t be discussing our plans and strategy until Stafford has had time to assess the market. However, as soon as we are in a position to share this information, we’d be delighted to do so.”

Masie told online computer trade publication ITWeb: “I will be heading up Google’s operations in SA as of 3 September, more than that I cannot say. Google will issue a formal statement soon.”

Google’s chairman and chief executive, Eric Schmidt, was recruited in 2001 by Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin from Novell, where he was chairman and chief executive.

Masie spent four years at Novell corporate headquarters in Utah, where he was involved in developing the strategy that saw Novell acquire Linux innovator Ximian and SuSe Linux in 2003, and become a Linux company.

Returning to South Africa in 2003 to head up Novell’s local office, Masie has been a key, and outspoken, figure in the open source and Linux movement in the country.