New Google SA country manager announced

Stephen Newton: "... The coming years promise significant growth for small businesses wanting to benefit from increased connectivity."

Newton is the former Google head of analytics & commerce for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and brings extensive online experience to his new role, helping to increase the flow of information in South Africa by getting businesses online and helping South Africans to benefit from Google's free online services.

"It's an exciting time here, with the 2010 World Cup just around the corner," says Newton. "South Africa 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. 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."

Newton is an accomplished business leader who has spent nearly a decade working in the online space, where he has been responsible for growing and leading top on-line companies. Before joining Google, Newton was VP of Double Click's Ad Exchange and GM of Hitwise UK.

For more:

• Bizcommunity.com: Google, Microsoft unveil Wave, Bing