Google’s EMEA Head Matt Brittin Steps Down After 18 Years

Matt Brittin, who has led Google’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) for the past decade, has announced his decision to step down from the tech giant in the new year. 

Brittin shared the news in a post on LinkedIn, speaking about his time at the company since 2007, and the impact of technology in the region.

“After 18 years at Google, and ten leading Europe, Middle East and Africa, today I let my colleagues know that I have decided to step down in the new year,” Matt Brittin wrote. “It has been an enormous privilege to build our teams, relationships and business in this region and I’ve been inspired by the diversity, brilliance and entrepreneurialism of so many.”

Brittin noted the growth and impact of digital skills across the EMEA region, saying, “When I joined Google, fewer than one in five people were online. Today, nearly 70% have the world’s information in their hands and the opportunities that come with it. Jobs, growth and exports are at the centre. We’ve trained over 24 million people across the region in digital skills; empowered learners, entrepreneurs, creators, developers; and supported nations (and each other) in times of crisis.”

He also noted the impactful role of AI, particularly Google DeepMind’s breakthroughs and projects in Africa, saying, “It’s a pivotal moment to be passing the baton. We’re only just starting to glimpse the transformative benefit that AI will have on billions of lives – and people in our part of the world are showing the way.”

Matt Brittin expressed his gratitude to his colleagues and leaders, stating, “My deepest gratitude goes to everyone who has made this work possible – and to the leaders who put their trust in me and my colleagues.”

Reflecting on advice from Google’s co-founder, Larry Page, Brittin shared, “When I joined Google in January 2007, Larry Page advised me to ‘put the best people you can on important work, and get out of the way.’ It’s been the privilege of my life to try to honour this – working with brilliant teams to help build tech that makes the world better.”

Brittin will continue to lead Google’s EMEA business until a successor is appointed, after which he plans to take a break. “I will take a break for the first time since leaving school – a ‘mini gap year,’” he said, adding that he looks forward to spending more time with his family and exploring new hobbies, including learning scuba diving.

In his post, Brittin thanked all those he had worked with, including customers, partners, policymakers, and journalists, and welcomed suggestions for his future endeavors: “I’d love your suggestions, challenges and recommendations.”

Before joining Google, Brittin worked as a consultant for McKinsey & Co and as commercial director at Trinity Mirror, now known as Reach PLC. He joined Google as head of UK and Ireland operations in 2007, later becoming vice president of northern and central Europe, and in 2014, he assumed the role of president of EMEA.