Did you Know ? The Vice President of Google is Zimbabwean

Compiled by Eng Anorld Ndebele

James Manyika is a Zimbabwean-born, UK-educated leader in technology and society, known for his background in AI and robotics, and for his leadership roles at McKinsey & Company, and currently as Google's Senior Vice President for Research, Technology, and Society. He earned a BSc in electrical engineering from the University of Zimbabwe and later became a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, where he earned advanced degrees in AI, mathematics, and computer science. His career includes experience at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab, advisory roles for the Obama administration, and extensive work at McKinsey focusing on the future of work and the digital economy before joining Google in 2022. 

Early Life and Education

Birthplace and Education: 

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Manyika attended Prince Edward School and earned a BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Zimbabwe

Oxford University: As a Rhodes Scholar, he pursued advanced studies at Oxford, earning an MA, MSc, and DPhil in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Mathematics, and Computer Science.

Career Highlights

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory: He worked as a visiting scientist at NASA JPL, contributing to machine learning systems for planetary exploration programs

McKinsey Global Institute: Manyika served as Chairman and Director of the McKinsey Global Institute, leading research on global economic trends, the digital economy, and the future of work

Government Advisory Roles: He served in advisory positions for the Obama administration, including on the President's Global Development Council and the Innovation advisory board.

Current Role at Google: 
In 2022, he joined Google as Senior Vice President for Research, Technology, and Society, where he oversees Google Research and Google Labs, focusing on areas like AI and computing to benefit society. 

Expertise and Contributions

Technology and Society: 
His work consistently bridges technology and its societal impact, influenced by his upbringing in Zimbabwe. 

AI and Ethics: 
He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and holds fellowships in AI from Stanford and Oxford, reflecting his expertise in the field. 

Academic and Research Boards: 
He holds positions on various research boards at institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, and co-chaired California's Future of Work Commission.