Name: Dr. James M. Manyika
Role:
Senior Vice President at Google; Former Chairman of McKinsey Global Institute; AI Researcher and Policy Advisor.
Net Worth:
As of March 2025, James Manyika’s net worth is estimated at $50 million.
Profile Overview:
James Manyika is a Zimbabwean-American academic, business executive, and AI researcher renowned for his contributions to technology, economics, and policy. As Google’s Senior Vice President for Research, Technology & Society, he oversees groundbreaking innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), computing, and science aimed at benefiting society. Previously, he served as Chairman of the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), where he led influential research on global economic trends and technology’s impact on work and productivity. Manyika’s career reflects his dedication to advancing responsible AI development and shaping global policy discussions.
Bio:
Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, James Manyika attended Prince Edward School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Zimbabwe. He later became a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, where he earned a Master of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science, a Master of Arts, and a Doctor of Philosophy in AI and Robotics.
Manyika began his career as an academic at Oxford University, serving on its engineering faculty and conducting research on decentralized data fusion. He co-authored the book Decentralized Data Fusion: An Information Theoretic Approach in 1994. He also held roles as a visiting scientist at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and a faculty exchange fellow at MIT.
In 1997, Manyika joined McKinsey & Company in the United States, rising to Senior Partner and Chair of MGI. His work at McKinsey included advising CEOs of leading technology companies and publishing influential reports on technology’s impact on the economy. In 2022, he joined Google as its first Senior Vice President of Technology and Society, later expanding his role to oversee Google Research and Google Labs.
James Manyika’s Role in Artificial Intelligence:
James Manyika is a leader in integrating AI into research and policy frameworks. At Google, he oversees foundational research in AI across areas such as quantum computing, privacy, security, health, climate sustainability, and responsible AI development. His role emphasizes using AI to address societal challenges while ensuring ethical innovation.
Manyika also serves as Vice Chair of the U.S. National AI Advisory Committee and co-Chair of the UN High-Level Body on AI. His contributions focus on shaping global norms for AI governance while addressing issues like algorithmic bias and economic inequality.
Nationality:
Zimbabwean-American
Age:
Approximately 58 years old (as of March 30, 2025).
Educational Qualification:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Electrical Engineering from the University of Zimbabwe.
- Master’s Degrees: Mathematics and Computer Science (MSc) and Arts (MA) from Oxford University.
- Ph.D.: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics from Oxford University.
Sources of Wealth:
- Google: Senior Vice President for Research, Technology & Society; oversees ambitious AI projects.
- McKinsey Global Institute: Former Chairman; led research on technology’s economic impact.
- Academic Contributions: Published influential works on robotics and decentralized systems.
- Policy Roles: Advisor to U.S. Presidents and international organizations on technology governance.
- Speaking Engagements & Recognition: Featured globally for contributions to AI research and policy.
Random Fact:
James Manyika co-authored Decentralized Data Fusion with Hugh F. Durrant-Whyte while conducting research at Oxford—a foundational work in robotics and information theory.
James Manyika’s career exemplifies his commitment to advancing technology responsibly while shaping global discussions on AI governance and societal impact. His leadership continues to influence both industry innovation and public policy worldwide.
Check here to see the most influential people in AI
