Susan Wojcicki, the trailblazing force behind Google‘s early growth and YouTube’s rise to prominence, passed away on Friday at the age of 56 after a courageous two-year battle with non-small cell lung cancer, according to her husband, Dennis Troper.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Troper wrote, “Susan was more than just my life partner; she was a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a cherished friend to many. Her impact on our family and the world was immeasurable.”
Born in Santa Clara, California, Wojcicki grew up on Stanford University’s campus, where her father worked as a physicist. Her upbringing in this environment fueled her passion for innovation and making a difference. Both of her younger sisters, Anne and Janet, also became influential figures in their respective fields.
In 1998, Wojcicki rented out her garage to Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the Stanford graduate students who would soon found Google. Recognizing the company’s potential, she left her job at Intel to become Google’s first marketing manager. Her visionary leadership played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion, especially in consumer products and advertising.
Wojcicki was instrumental in Google’s acquisition of YouTube in 2006, a move that transformed the platform into the global video giant it is today. Appointed as YouTube’s CEO in 2014, she oversaw its explosive growth and navigated challenges such as hate speech, misinformation, and inappropriate content.
In 2023, Wojcicki announced her decision to step down as YouTube’s CEO to focus on her family, health, and personal projects. Reflecting on her career in a blog post, she said, “I took on each challenge because it had a mission that touched lives worldwide—finding information, telling stories, and supporting creators, artists, and small businesses. I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved.”
Beyond her contributions to Google and YouTube, Wojcicki was a staunch advocate for improving workplace conditions for women and parents. She was the first Google employee to take parental leave and continued to champion similar policies throughout her career.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai paid tribute to Wojcicki, recalling her kindness and support when he first joined Google. “I’ll never forget her taking me for ice cream during my Google interview 20 years ago. I was sold—on Google and Susan,” Pichai said in a statement.
Wojcicki’s influence extended beyond tech, as evidenced by her memorable 2014 commencement speech at Johns Hopkins University. “Opportunities rarely come perfectly wrapped. The best ones are messy, confusing, and risky, but they challenge and shape you,” she told the graduates.
The Silicon Valley community, along with YouTube creators, are mourning the loss of a true tech pioneer. YouTube’s current head, Neal Mohan, expressed his deep gratitude for Wojcicki’s mentorship and friendship, stating, “YouTube lost a teammate, mentor, and friend. I will miss her tremendously.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook also honored Wojcicki, calling her “one of Silicon Valley’s visionaries” and expressing his sorrow at her passing. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff praised her leadership, describing her as a trailblazer with a remarkable ability to lead with grace and vision.
Outside of Silicon Valley, notable figures like authors and YouTubers John and Hank Green shared their condolences. Hank Green highlighted Wojcicki’s quiet but powerful leadership, while John Green revealed her significant yet private philanthropic contributions to maternal health in Sierra Leone.
Susan Wojcicki’s legacy will continue to inspire countless individuals in the tech industry and beyond. Her visionary leadership and compassionate spirit have left an indelible mark on the world.
