Susan Wojcicki, former CEO of YouTube and a pivotal figure in Google's history, has passed away at the age of 56. Her husband, Dennis Troper, announced her death on social media, revealing that she had been battling non-small cell lung cancer for two years.
Wojcicki's impact on the tech industry was profound. Born on July 5, 1968, in Santa Clara County, California, she graduated from Harvard University with a degree in history and literature in 1990. Her journey in the tech world began in 1998 when she rented her garage to Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who were in the process of founding Google.
Wojcicki joined Google in 1999 as its first marketing manager, playing a crucial role in the company's early growth. She was instrumental in developing Google Images and Google Books, and suggested the acquisition of YouTube in 2006. Her contributions to Google's advertising products, including AdSense and the acquisition of DoubleClick in 2007, earned her the title "the most important person in advertising."
In 2014, Wojcicki was appointed as YouTube's CEO, a position she held until February 2023. During her tenure, YouTube's monthly users grew from approximately 1 billion to over 2 billion. She implemented strategies to help content creators monetize their work, significantly impacting the platform's ecosystem.
However, Wojcicki's leadership also faced challenges, particularly in addressing issues related to problematic content, hate speech, and misinformation on the platform. These concerns highlighted the complex balance between free expression and content moderation in the digital age.
Wojcicki stepped down from her role at YouTube in 2023, citing a desire to focus on her health, family, and personal projects. Her decision came after nearly a decade of leading one of the world's largest social media platforms, during which she was the only woman at the helm of a major social network.
Throughout her career, Wojcicki was a strong advocate for women in tech and coding education for minorities. She was named one of Time's 100 most influential people in 2015 and ranked 16th on Forbes' list of America's Self-Made Women in 2022.
"She is as core to the history of Google as anyone, and it's hard to imagine the world without her. She was an incredible person, leader and friend who had a tremendous impact on the world and I'm one of countless Googlers who is better for knowing her."
Wojcicki's passing marks the end of an era in Silicon Valley. Her legacy as a tech pioneer, business leader, and advocate for diversity in the industry will continue to inspire future generations in the tech world.