Type Dennis Woodside’s name into Google and you will learn that he is managing director for the search engine’s operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Benelux.

But delve a little deeper into the search results and you will find a more apt description of the American executive: the most powerful man in UK digital marketing.

Most of Google’s senior executives who are based in their famous “Googleplex” near Victoria station in Central London are engineers. However, Mr Woodside’s background has been in business consultancy and he believes his job depends on the company’s success as an advertising group.

Since he became Google’s UK boss in September 2006, he has focused the company on ensuring that advertisers can reach their perfect consumer through Google.

“Everything is going to get more targeted,” he said. “So, if you are on a website reading about planes, for instance, an advertiser will know more about your interests and be able to sell accordingly.”

He joined Google in 2003 as director of emerging markets, overseeing the company’s attempt to gain a foothold in Eastern Europe, Russia and the Middle East. He started to take on competitors and oversaw rapid expansion, establishing offices in ten countries as diverse as Egypt, Turkey, Russia and Israel.

Before joining Google, he was an associate partner at McKinsey, where he led operational and strategy projects for technology and media industry clients. Prior to that he managed mergers and acquisitions in the aerospace, energy, media and finance sectors, representing companies such as Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett’s investment vehicle. He lives in Kensington with his wife, Laura, and their two children.

Under his stewardship, Google has continued its dominance over the likes of Yahoo! and Microsoft in the UK search and online advertising market.

Times Recommends

• Food prices rise 8.3% on soaring fish and meat
• Car sales crash as economy hits skids
• House prices fall but Bank leaves rates on hold