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Mel Silva appointed to lead Google Australia and New Zealand

Google has named Mel Silva as its new Australian and New Zealand managing director.

Silva steps into the role left vacant after Jason Pellegrino left to become the CEO of Domain.

Google’s incoming Australia and New Zealand managing director, Mel Silva: “I can’t wait to come back and work with our partners and clients”

Silva joined Google Australia in 2006 from Fairfax Digital and moved to Singapore two years ago to become the company’s managing director, go-to-market strategy and operations for Google APAC.

At Fairfax, Silva was managing director of the company’s Direct Access managed investments platform, which it sold in 2013. Prior to that she has worked at Citibank, ING Direct and AMP.

Silva’s appointment comes as the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission examines digital platform’s effects on Australian media industry and the Federal government considers options for taxing Google and other US based tech giants.

She said she was thrilled to be coming home and rejoining the local team.

“There is a tremendous digital opportunity for the region, with businesses and consumers increasingly making use of tools such as AI and machine learning.

“During my time in APAC, it’s been wonderful to see and share stories of the innovations coming out of Australia and New Zealand, and I can’t wait to come back and work with our partners and clients to help them innovate, grow and succeed.”

Karim Temsamani, Google’s president of Asia Pacific, said: “I am delighted that Mel will be leading our business in Australia and New Zealand. She is an exceptional leader who really knows how to bring the best out of people and has a thorough understanding of our partners’ needs.

“Through her extensive Google experience, she has built an in-depth knowledge of the region, which makes her perfectly placed to continue to develop our engagement with consumers and businesses across Australia and New Zealand.”

Silva will start in the role on October 1.

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