The former CEO of YouTube and Silicon Valley pioneer Susan Wojcicki has died at the age of 56.
She was head of the video sharing platform for nine years from 2014 before announcing her resignation from YouTube in 2023, explaining that she wanted to focus on “family, health and personal projects”.
At the time, she said: “I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved. It’s been exhilarating, meaningful, and all-consuming.”
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Wojiciki was one of Google’s earliest employees and was a tech pioneer, becoming one of the most prominent women in Silicon Valley.
In fact, the two Google founders worked out of her garage in California in the early days when they were building the search engine. Afterwards, she became the company’s 16th employee and worked there for 25 years.
Her husband, Dennis Troper, made the sad announcement that Wojcicki had passed away on August 9 after battling lung cancer for two years.
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In a Facebook post, he wrote: “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of Susan Wojcicki passing. 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.
“Susan was not just my best friend and partner in life, but a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a dear 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.”
The CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, also expressed condolences in a post on X, formerly Twitter, describing Wojcicki as the “core” to Google’s history.
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Pichai wrote: “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.”
Apple CEO, Tim Cook, shared his thoughts as he also took to X, writing: “Saddened to hear of the passing of Susan Wojcicki. She was one of Silicon Valley’s visionaries and she will be missed by so many. May she rest in peace.”
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CEO of Salesforce, Marc Benioff, said: “Reflecting on the profound impact of my dear friend and Salesforce board member Susan Wojcicki. Susan was a trailblazer in the industry, an exemplary mother, and a cherished friend.
“We shared so many fun family events and elegant programs celebrating her incredible success. She had a remarkable ability to lead with grace and vision, lighting up every interaction with her wisdom and warmth.
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“Her kind heart, wise counsel, and philanthropic spirit touched countless lives. My thoughts are with her surviving mother Esther, sisters Janet and Anne, her husband Dennis Troper, and her beloved children. Susan's legacy of leadership and love will forever inspire us. May the One who brings Peace bring Peace to All.”