Google has hired Stafford Masie to establish and lead Google's business development in South Africa.

In this newly created role, Masie will be responsible for building Google's advertising and applications business in South Africa, as well as expanding the company's strategic partnerships in the region. Google wants to help ensure that South Africans have greater to access information and that businesses are able to make the most of the opportunities offered by the Internet.

Masie comes to Google from Novell where he has been South Africa's country manager for the past four years. His appointment - along with the opening of an Egyptian office and the hiring of a site lead, Joe Mucheru in Kenya - is a reflection of Google's growing commitment to Africa.

Sales from outside the United States accounted for 48% of Google's revenue in the second quarter, up from 42% a year earlier.

For further information call the Google press office on +44 207 881 4403 or e-mail press@google.com.