YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki has announced her departure from the video streaming service. After nearly 25 years with Alphabet, Wojcicki plans to focus on her family, health, and personal projects.
As one of the first employees of Google, Wojcicki was instrumental in the company’s growth, having worked on various projects such as Google Doodles, Google Image Search, and AdSense. In 2006, she advocated for the purchase of YouTube, which became an essential part of Google and Alphabet. In 2014, Wojcicki was appointed as the CEO of YouTube, becoming one of the few women to lead a major tech company.
During her tenure as YouTube’s CEO, Wojcicki faced various challenges, including the platform’s moderation issues around hate speech and misinformation. She, however, made it her priority to listen to YouTube creators and users and address their concerns.
In her farewell letter, Wojcicki announced that Neal Mohan, her de facto deputy, would be taking over as the new senior vice president and head of YouTube. Mohan has been at Google since 2007 and played a critical role in launching YouTube TV, YouTube Music, Premium, and Shorts. He also led YouTube’s trust and safety team.
Wojcicki will continue to work with some YouTube teams and coach team members during the transition period. She will also remain involved with Google and Alphabet as an advisor, offering guidance and counsel to the portfolio of Alphabet companies.
Wojcicki’s departure comes at a crucial time for YouTube, as the platform continues to expand with new features and services, including Shorts, streaming, and subscriptions. Mohan’s leadership will be critical in driving the growth of the platform, leveraging the promises of AI and other emerging technologies.
Wojcicki’s contribution to Google and YouTube has been invaluable. Her leadership and commitment to user engagement have helped shape the growth of one of the world’s most popular video platforms, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence the future of online video content.
