Susan Wojcicki, a trailblazing figure in the tech world and former CEO of YouTube, passed away at the age of 56 after a two-year battle with cancer. Her husband, Dennis Troper, and Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc., confirmed her death on social media.
Wojcicki, one of Google’s earliest employees and one of the most influential women in Silicon Valley, announced her departure from YouTube in February 2023 to focus on her family, health, and personal projects. At that time, she did not disclose the specifics of her health condition.
Throughout her career, Wojcicki held a significant role in shaping the modern internet. As YouTube’s CEO from 2014 to 2023, she transformed the platform into a global hub for content creators, reaching billions of users daily. Before leading YouTube, Wojcicki played a crucial part at Google, overseeing key initiatives like AdSense, which revolutionized online advertising and established Google as a dominant force in the digital economy.
Wojcicki’s deep influence at Google extended beyond her titles. As the company’s first marketing manager and 16th employee, she earned the trust of Google’s co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin. She was even dubbed the “godmother of Google” for her pivotal role in the company’s early development.
Despite her reserved nature and preference for privacy, Wojcicki left an indelible mark on the tech industry. She was a champion for independent creators and worked tirelessly to navigate YouTube through numerous challenges, including issues related to content regulation, privacy, and misinformation.
Born on July 5, 1968, in Santa Clara, California, Susan Diane Wojcicki grew up in a family that valued meaningful contributions to society. After earning a degree in history from Harvard University and working as a photojournalist in India, she returned to California to pursue advanced degrees in economics and business. She joined Google in 1999, where her leadership and vision helped shape the company’s culture and success.
Wojcicki’s impact on the tech industry and the broader internet landscape is profound, and she leaves behind a legacy of innovation and leadership. She is survived by her husband, Dennis Troper, and their four children. Her son, Marco, tragically passed away earlier this year at the age of 19.
