Google Merges Its European Divisions

Story by

Amanda Connolly

Reporter

Amanda Connolly is a reporter for The Next Web, currently based in London. Originally from Ireland, Amanda previously worked in press and ed (show all) Amanda Connolly is a reporter for The Next Web, currently based in London. Originally from Ireland, Amanda previously worked in press and editorial at the Web Summit. She’s interested in all things tech, with a particular fondness for lifestyle and creative tech and the spaces where these intersect. Twitter

Google has merged its two European regional operations, as it attempts to deal with challenges from regulators. The HQ will remain in Dublin and the changes aren’t expected to result in job losses.

The company is combining its northern and western European division with the unit that covers eastern and southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa to form one organization.

The new setup will be led by Matt Brittin, the former head of Google’s northern and western Europe operations. Carlo D’Asaro Biondo, who had been in charge of southern and eastern Europe, is moving to lead commercial partnerships.

Google made the announcement in Brussels – the home of the European Commission – somewhere it would like the news to make an impact. The company has faced a number of political and regulatory setbacks in Europe over the past twelve months, including antitrust concerns and questions over tax.

At the event in Brussels, Brittin also announced that Google will train one million Europeans in digital skills by 2016, through a new digital training hub.

Google employs over 9,000 people in Europe and has made over $4.5 billion (€4 billion) in capital investments on the continent in the last four years.

➤ Google is a growth engine for European business [Google Policy Europe]