Susan Wojcicki, a pioneering figure in the tech industry and the former CEO of YouTube, passed away at the age of 56 on August 9, 2024, after a two-year battle with non-small cell lung cancer.
Wojcicki’s impact on the tech world is immeasurable, having played a crucial role in the early days of Google and later steering YouTube to become the powerhouse it is today. Her death was confirmed by her husband, Dennis Troper, who described her as “a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a dear friend to many.”
Wojcicki’s journey in the tech industry began in 1998 when she rented out the garage of her Menlo Park, California, home to Google’s co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, for $1,700 a month. At the time, Page and Brin were working on refining their search engine, which would eventually become the Google we know today. This arrangement marked the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between Wojcicki and Google. In 1999, she officially joined the company as its 16th employee, taking on the role of the first marketing manager.
Wojcicki’s contributions to Google were significant. She was instrumental in building the company’s advertising business, which became a major revenue stream for the tech giant. She also played a key role in the acquisition of YouTube in 2006, a move that would prove to be a game-changer for both companies. As YouTube’s CEO from 2014 to 2023, Wojcicki oversaw the platform’s explosive growth, with YouTube becoming a central hub for video content and a major player in the online advertising market.
Under her leadership, YouTube reached two billion logged-in users per month and saw one billion hours of video watched daily. Despite facing challenges related to content moderation and the spread of misinformation, Wojcicki remained committed to making YouTube a platform for free expression while balancing the need to protect its users.
In February 2023, Wojcicki announced her decision to step down as CEO of YouTube to focus on her family, health, and personal projects.
Wojcicki’s influence extended beyond her professional achievements. She was a vocal advocate for various social causes, including paid family leave, gender equality in the tech industry, and computer programming education. Her advocacy for women’s rights in the workplace was particularly impactful, as she used her platform to push for more inclusive policies and opportunities for women in tech.
Tech leaders across the industry have expressed their condolences following Wojcicki’s passing. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, described her death as “devastating” and praised her as an inspiring and beloved figure within the company. Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook, referred to Wojcicki as a “formative influence” in her career and lauded her visionary leadership.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Wojcicki was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various charitable causes throughout her life. She was also a loving mother and wife, with her family playing a central role in her life. Wojcicki’s husband, Dennis Troper, and their four children survive her. Another child, son Marco Troper, 19, died of a drug overdose in February at UC Berkeley. The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Wojcicki’s death marks the end of an era for YouTube and Google, where her influence will be felt for years to come. Her legacy as a trailblazer in the tech industry and a champion for social causes will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.