Google has appointed Kate Alessi as its new Managing Director for the United Kingdom, marking a significant leadership shift at a time of both global opportunity and scrutiny for the tech giant.
Alessi will officially assume her role in June, succeeding Debbie Weinstein, who was promoted in December 2024 to lead Google’s operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In her new position, Alessi will oversee the company’s UK operations, including its 7,000 employees, the majority of whom will be based at Google’s soon-to-open King’s Cross headquarters.
Her appointment follows a turbulent period for Google, as two recent U.S. court rulings found the company to be a monopolist in both the search and adtech sectors—outcomes that could lead to sweeping structural changes depending on the legal remedies imposed.
Alessi brings a wealth of global experience to the role. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Global Production Solutions for Google and YouTube, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she led the global delivery of advertising solutions. She has also held leadership positions across Europe, including as Head of Brand Solutions for Southern and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, while based in Paris.
Having joined Google in 2010 following earlier stints in venture capital and management consulting, Alessi is now returning to the UK with a focus on steering the company through a transformative period for the tech industry.
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“I can’t wait to return to the UK to lead the exceptional teams working to ensure that everyone benefits from AI-powered economic growth during this exciting time for our industry,” Alessi said in a statement.
Her appointment comes on the heels of Google’s £1 billion investment commitment to build a new data centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire—an initiative designed to support AI innovation in the UK and beyond.
Debbie Weinstein expressed confidence in Alessi’s leadership, stating, “Kate’s global experience and deep understanding of our advertising and AI businesses means she’s perfectly placed to further our aim of putting Google’s AI to work for everyone in the UK.”
