Dublin remains Google HQ after restructuring

Google has combined its two European regional divisions as it seeks to meet the challenges of tougher regulation across the continent, a source close to the company said yesterday.

The internet giant is merging its northern and western European division with the unit covering southern and eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, the source said.

The shake-up follows a year of setbacks for the company on political and regulatory fronts on issues ranging from antitrust to privacy to how much tax it pays in different European nations, as well as fraught relations with some European industries including media and telecom groups.

The decision was taken to simplify the organisation, both for commercial reasons as well as to work more effectively with business partners and policy makers.

Google’s regional headquarters will remain in Dublin and the reorganisation will not result in job losses, the source said.

The US company has become a lightning rod for criticism in Europe of aggressive Silicon Valley business practices, a role reversal from previous years when it was revered as a standard-bearer of innovation and new economic possibilities.

In response, Google has argued that for Europe to remain competitive in global markets, it needs to form a single digital market instead of relying on national regulations in its 28-member states that often act to protect local industries.

Matt Brittin, who led Google’s northern and western European division, will head up the combined Europe, Middle East and Africa operation while Carlo d’Asaro Biondo, formerly head of the other regional unit, will take on a strategy role, the source said.

Reuters