Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube, has passed away following a two-year battle with non-small cell lung cancer. The news was confirmed by her former husband, Dennis Troper, in a Facebook post on August 10.
Troper shared, “My beloved wife of 26 years and mother to our five children left us today after 2 years of living with non-small cell lung cancer.” He described Wojcicki as not only a cherished partner and mother but also a brilliant mind and a friend to many. “Her impact on our family and the world was immeasurable. We are heartbroken, but grateful for the time we had with her. Please keep our family in your thoughts as we navigate this difficult time,” he added.
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai also paid tribute to Wojcicki in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on August 10. Pichai expressed his sorrow, stating, “Unbelievably saddened by the loss of my dear friend @SusanWojcicki after two years of living with cancer. She is as core to the history of Google as anyone, and it’s hard to imagine the world without her. She was an incredible person, leader and friend who had a tremendous impact on the world and I’m one of countless Googlers who is better for knowing her. We will miss her dearly. Our thoughts with her family. RIP Susan.”
Wojcicki stepped down as YouTube CEO in February 2023 after leading the platform for nine years. Neal Mohan, previously the chief product officer, succeeded her as the new head of YouTube.
Wojcicki played a crucial role in Google’s early days, including renting garage space in her parents’ home to co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998. She joined Google as its 16th employee a year later and was with the company for 25 years. Her sister, Anne Wojcicki, co-founded the personal genomics company 23andMe and was previously married to Brin until their divorce in 2015.
Here are the key points from the News:
- Susan Wojcicki’s Passing: Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki has died after a two-year battle with non-small cell lung cancer.
- Tribute from Dennis Troper: Wojcicki’s former husband, Dennis Troper, announced her death in a Facebook post, highlighting her roles as a mother, partner, and friend.
- Sundar Pichai’s Tribute: Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai expressed his sadness and honored Wojcicki’s significant impact on Google and the world in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
- Wojcicki’s Career: Wojcicki stepped down as YouTube CEO in February 2023 after nine years. She was instrumental in Google’s early development and joined the company as its 16th employee.
- Family Connections: Wojcicki’s sister, Anne Wojcicki, co-founded 23andMe and was married to Google co-founder Sergey Brin until their divorce in 2015.
