Tech Pioneer Susan Wojcicki Passes Away at 56

Susan Wojcicki, a trailblazer in the technology industry and former CEO of YouTube, has passed away at the age of 56 after a two-year battle with lung cancer. Her death was announced by Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, who expressed deep sorrow, calling her “as core to the history of Google as anyone.”

Wojcicki’s journey with Google began in 1998 when she rented her Menlo Park garage to the company’s founders, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, during their early startup days. She later left her position at Intel to become Google’s 16th employee, playing a critical role in the company’s growth and success.

In 2014, Wojcicki took the helm at YouTube, leading the platform for nine years until her departure in 2023 to focus on her family and personal projects. Despite her remarkable achievements, her tenure at YouTube was marked by challenges, including criticism over the platform’s handling of disinformation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wojcicki was one of the few women to rise to such a senior position in the male-dominated tech industry. Her leadership and contributions to Google and YouTube have left a lasting impact on the digital world.

Her husband, Dennis Troper, announced her passing with deep emotion, reflecting on their 26-year marriage and their family of five children. Wojcicki’s legacy will continue to inspire many in the tech industry and beyond.