Susan Wojcicki, a foundational figure in the tech industry and former CEO of YouTube, passed away on August 9, 2024, at the age of 56. The news was confirmed in social media posts by her husband, Dennis Troper, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Wojcicki had been battling non-small cell lung cancer for the past two years.

A pioneer in the tech world, Wojcicki was among the first employees at Google, which acquired YouTube in 2006. She played a pivotal role in transforming the video-sharing platform into a global cultural phenomenon. As CEO from 2014 to February 2023, she oversaw YouTube’s exponential growth into a billion-dollar business.

Wojcicki’s impact on the tech industry extends beyond YouTube. Her early involvement with Google, where she rented her garage to founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, laid the groundwork for one of the world’s most influential companies.

In a statement, Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed profound sorrow at the loss of his “dear friend.” He lauded Wojcicki’s contributions to Google and her immense impact on the world.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Wojcicki was a beloved family member. Her passing comes just months after the tragic death of her son, Marco Troper, a freshman at the University of California, Berkeley.

Wojcicki is survived by her husband, Dennis Troper, and their family.