MTV’s Alex Okosi is WEF 2013 young global leader

Alex Okosi is Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa.

A Nigerian, Alex Okosi, was on Thursday named the World Economic Forum, WEF’s 2013 Young Global Leader, YGL.

Mr. Okosi is Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks, VIMN Africa (formerly MTV Networks Africa). He was named in recognition of his record of professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world through inspiring leadership.

The YGL award is an honour bestowed by the WEF each year to recognise the most distinguished leaders under the age of 40.

Mr. Okosi was named by the selection committee chaired by Rania Al Abdullah, Queen of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Thousands of potential young leaders from every region of the world and from a myriad of disciplines and sectors were screened by the committee.

Mr. Okosi will become an active member of The Forum of Young Global Leaders, FYGL, a global network of peers from diverse backgrounds and fields with the goal of significantly impacting world affairs and shaping the global agenda.

To achieve its mission, the FYGL acts as a platform for young leaders to be both a voice for the future in global thought processes and a catalyst for joint action when appropriate.

Mr. Okosi is currently based in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he heads Viacom International Media Networks’ pan-African business operations.

He is responsible for managing the growth and development of VIMN’s iconic kids, youth, music, comedy and general entertainment brands on the African continent, including MTV, MTV Base, VH1 Classic, BET International, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central.

Mr. Okosi joined MTV Networks in 1998. In 2003, he joined the MTV Networks International Strategy and Business Development division based in London to pursue his ambition for MTV in Africa.

Apart from developing the business plan for MTV Base, MTV’s first localised television service for Africa, Mr. Okosi launched the channel as MTV Networks’ 100th channel in 2005.

A staunch champion of African music, kids’ and youth culture, Mr. Okosi is committed to creating programming, events and initiatives that showcase African talent and creativity.

In November 2008, he launched the first ever MTV Africa Music Awards, MAMA, in Abuja, Nigeria, to salute and celebrate contemporary African music and artists.

Reacting to the award, Mr. Okosi said, “I am very proud to have been named by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader and look forward to working with my peers in the Forum of Young Global Leaders to ensure that African affairs, issues and ideas are key priorities for action on the global agenda.”