Susan Wojcicki, a trailblazing leader in the tech industry and former CEO of YouTube, has died at the age of 56 after a two-year battle with lung cancer. Her husband, Dennis Troper, confirmed her passing on Friday, honoring her as a brilliant mind, devoted mother, and beloved partner.
Wojcicki was a key figure in the rise of Google, joining the company in 1999 as its 16th employee after founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page started their operations in her garage. Over nearly two decades, she played a pivotal role in Google’s expansion, contributing to the development of groundbreaking products like image search and overseeing major acquisitions, including YouTube and DoubleClick.
In 2014, Wojcicki was appointed CEO of YouTube, where she led the platform through a period of rapid growth and innovation. She introduced new advertising models, launched a streaming television service, and navigated the company through significant challenges, including concerns over privacy, hate speech, and misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wojcicki’s death comes just months after the tragic loss of her 19-year-old son, Marco Troper, who died from an overdose while attending the University of California, Berkeley. Despite these personal hardships, Wojcicki remained a strong advocate for policies supporting work-life balance, including paid parental leave, which she championed during her time at Google.
“Susan was not only my best friend and life partner, but also a brilliant leader who made a lasting impact on our family and the world,” Dennis Troper wrote in a heartfelt message. “We are devastated by her loss but deeply grateful for the time we had with her.”
Google CEO Sundar Pichai paid tribute to Wojcicki, describing her as an “incredible leader” who was integral to Google’s history. “She had a profound impact on the world, and I’m one of many who are better for having known her,” Pichai said. “Her absence will be deeply felt.”
Wojcicki leaves behind her husband, four surviving children, and a legacy of innovation and leadership that will continue to inspire the tech industry for years to come.
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