In a heartfelt message, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, expressed profound sadness over the passing of his dear friend Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube, who recently succumbed to cancer after a two-year battle.
Pichai, a close friend and colleague of Wojcicki, shared his grief on social media, highlighting the tremendous influence she had on Google and the broader tech industry.
Pichai described Wojcicki as an “incredible person, leader, and friend,” whose contributions were pivotal in shaping the history of Google.
He noted that Wojcicki’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the success of the company, acknowledging her as a core figure in Google’s rise to prominence.
“It’s hard to imagine the world without her,” Pichai remarked, underscoring the void her absence has left in the industry.
Unbelievably saddened by the loss of my dear friend @SusanWojcicki after two years of living with cancer. 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…
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) August 10, 2024
He further reflected on how Wojcicki’s leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on countless individuals at Google, himself included.
Pichai emphasized that her impact transcended the company, influencing the global tech landscape in ways that will be remembered for years to come.
“We will miss her dearly,” he concluded, extending his condolences to Wojcicki’s family and expressing the collective grief of the Google community.
Wojcicki, who led YouTube for nearly a decade, was known for her innovative approach and her role in making YouTube a dominant platform in the digital world.
Her passing is a significant loss to the tech community, and her legacy as a pioneer in the industry will continue to inspire future generations.