Matt Brittin
Matthew Brittin | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 1, 1968 Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Years active | 1990s–2025 |
| Known for | President of EMEA Business & Operations at Google |
Matthew John Brittin (born 1 September 1968) is a British executive who held the position of President for EMEA Business & Operations at Google until early 2025. Beginning in 2007, he acted as Google's primary representative in Europe concerning digital skills development, contentious content issues, and corporate taxation. Brittin was instrumental in directing Google's business approach and public affairs throughout European territories, emphasizing digital innovation and regulatory dialogue.
Early life
Brittin was born in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. His education includes attending Hampton School followed by Robinson College, Cambridge, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in 1989. Subsequently, he earned an MBA with distinction from London Business School in 1997.
Career
Following his time at Cambridge, Brittin worked for more than six years at Connell Wilson, a firm specializing in chartered surveying, advancing to the role of associate director. After completing his MBA, he joined McKinsey & Co as a consultant. In 2004, he became commercial director at Trinity Mirror, publisher of The Daily Mirror, and was elevated to director of strategy and digital two years later.
Brittin started at Google in January 2007 and was appointed managing director of Google UK in 2009. By September 2011, he advanced to vice-president for Northern and Central Europe. In December 2014, Google unified its European operations under his leadership as president of EMEA Business and Operations.
He holds board positions with The Climate Group (since 2009), Media Trust (since 2010), and serves as a non-executive director at Sainsbury's. After departing Google in early 2025, Brittin joined the board of the UK Guardian Media Group within the same year.
Public Accounts Committee
Starting November 2012, Brittin appeared before the UK Public Accounts Committee to discuss how Google generated substantial profits in the UK while paying minimal corporation tax. In May 2013, committee chair Margaret Hodge accused Google's UK branch, overseen by Brittin, of employing complex structures to avoid billions in taxes, describing this as "calculated and unethical." The committee branded Google as "evil" for not contributing its fair share.
Throughout multiple hearings, Brittin maintained that Google does not "sell" directly in the UK despite evidence that UK employees are incentivized to promote customer spending. Former staff contradicted his statements by highlighting that UK sales personnel received commissions and that Google advertised sales roles based in the UK.
In response, the UK government enacted legislation in 2015 aimed at curbing artificial tax avoidance strategies used by multinational corporations such as Google.
When questioned on 11 February 2016 about his remuneration during committee proceedings, Brittin stated he was unaware of his salary—a reply that attracted widespread criticism. While Google is not obligated to publicly disclose his compensation, The Guardian estimated it could reach up to £137 million per year.
Personal life
Brittin married Katherine Betts in 1995 and they have two sons born in 1999 and 2001. In June 2011, he undertook a cycling journey from Land's End to John o' Groats. He rowed for the University of Cambridge during The Boat Race from 1987 until 1989 and represented Great Britain internationally between 1985 and 1989, securing a bronze medal at the 1989 World Rowing Championships.