Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube, has passed away at the age of 56 following a courageous two-year battle with lung cancer. Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed profound sadness over her death, calling her an “incredible person” whose impact on the tech world was immense.
Wojcicki was a central figure in Google’s history, having played a crucial role in the company’s growth and the evolution of the internet. She served as YouTube’s CEO from 2014 until her resignation in February 2023. Pichai, reflecting on her legacy, tweeted, “Unbelievably saddened by the loss of my dear friend @SusanWojcicki. She was as core to the history of Google as anyone, and it’s hard to imagine the world without her. We will miss her dearly.”
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Wojcicki’s husband, Dennis Troper, mourned the loss of his wife, describing her as a “brilliant mind” and a “loving mother.” He shared, “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of Susan Wojcicki’s passing. 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.”
Susan Wojcicki’s Remarkable Journey
Born on July 5, 1968, Wojcicki’s influence in the tech industry began in 1998 when she rented her garage to Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin for $1,700 a month. This fortuitous connection led to her becoming Google’s 16th employee and its first marketing manager in 1999. She played a key role in developing AdSense, which significantly boosted Google’s revenue.
Wojcicki’s vision extended to the acquisition of YouTube in 2006, a strategic move that proved highly successful. As CEO of YouTube, she oversaw its exponential growth, with the platform reaching two billion logged-in users per month and paying over $30 billion to creators and media companies by 2021. Under her leadership, YouTube expanded globally, launched YouTube Premium, YouTube TV, and YouTube Shorts, and increased its emphasis on educational content.
Wojcicki stepped down as CEO in February 2023 to focus on her family, health, and personal projects. Her impressive career earned her a spot on Forbes’ “Power Women” list, with an estimated net worth of $765 million.
Advocacy and Personal Life
Beyond her professional achievements, Wojcicki was a strong advocate for expanding paid family leave, addressing gender discrimination in tech, and promoting computer programming in schools. Her philanthropic efforts included serving on the boards of Salesforce, Room to Read, and the UCLA Anderson School of Management.
Susan Wojcicki’s passing marks the end of an era for many in the tech industry, and her legacy will be remembered for her pioneering contributions and dedication to innovation
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