Susan Wojcicki, Former YouTube CEO and Influential Google Exec
Susan Wojcicki, who served as CEO of YouTube for nine years during a period of massive growth for the video platform and was one of Google’s first hires, passed away on Friday, Aug. 9 at the age of 56. Wojcicki’s death after a two-year battle with cancer was announced by her husband, Dennis Troper, in a public post on Facebook.
“It is with profound sadness that I share the news of Susan Wojcicki passing. My beloved wife of 26 years and mother to our five children left us today after 2 years of living with non-small cell lung cancer,” Troper wrote in the post. “Susan was not just my best friend and partner in life, but a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a dear friend to many. Her impact on our family and the world was immeasurable. We are heartbroken, but grateful for the time we had with her. Please keep our family in your thoughts as we navigate this difficult time.”
Legacy and Tributes
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, paid tribute to Wojcicki in a post on X, expressing his deep sorrow at her passing. Pichai described Wojcicki as core to Google's history and highlighted her incredible impact on the world. He expressed his gratitude for knowing her and conveyed his condolences to her family.
Neal Mohan, who succeeded Wojcicki as YouTube CEO, also shared his thoughts on her passing, emphasizing her lasting legacy and the profound influence she had on Google and YouTube. Mohan expressed his gratitude for her friendship and guidance, stating that he would miss her tremendously.
Career Achievements
Wojcicki joined Google in 1999 as the company's first marketing executive and played a pivotal role in its early development. She later became the CEO of YouTube in February 2014, further solidifying her impact on Google's advertising business. Throughout her career, Wojcicki oversaw key products and developments at Google, leaving a lasting mark on the company.
In addition to her work at Google, Wojcicki had previous experience at Intel, Bain & Co., and R.B. Webber & Co., showcasing her diverse skill set and expertise in the tech industry.
As we reflect on Susan Wojcicki's contributions to Google and YouTube, we remember her as a pioneering leader and a respected figure in the technology sector. Her legacy continues to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.
