An “exceptional leader”: Melanie Silva appointed Google Australia and New Zealand managing director

Australia can now celebrate another female leader at the top of a tech giant’s local arm, with the appointment of Melanie Silva as the next managing director of Google Australia New Zealand.

Silva previously worked with Fairfax Media and investment bank Citi, before joining Google 11 years ago, where she’s gone on to hold a number of roles across the Asia Pacific region.

She has most recently been based in Singapore, as Google APAC’s managing director for go-to-market strategy and operations.

“I am thrilled to be coming home and rejoining the Google Australia and New Zealand team,” Silva said in a statement on her appointment.

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

Silva replaces Jason Pellegrino in the role, who recently left to run Domain.

Silva’s the second woman to be appointed to the role, following Maile Carnegie’s tenure in the top spot, which ended in 2016.

Google president of Asia-Pacific Karim Temsamani described Silva as an “exceptional leader” who knows how to bring out the best in people.

“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 starts in the role on October 1 2018.

The article was originally published on Women’s Agenda. Read the original article.

NOW READ: SheStarts is partnering with Google for Entrepreneurs to support Australia’s female founders in going global

NOW READ: “Glimmers of hope”: Five incredible global initiatives to benefit female entrepreneurs