Susan Wojcicki, The technology industry trailblazer who served as YouTube’s chief executive officer (CEO) for nearly 10 years died on Friday (August 9). Her husband, Dennis Troper, confirmed the news of her death via social media. The cause of death was non-small cell lung cancer, a cancer she had been battling for two years. She is 56 years old.
“It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Susan Wojcicki,” Troper wrote. “My beloved wife of 26 years and mother of our five children, passed away two years after suffering from non-small cell lung cancer. Leaving us today after many years. Susan was not only my best friend and companion throughout my life, but a brilliant mind, a loving mother and a dear friend to so many people. The impact is immeasurable. We are heartbroken but grateful for the time we spent with her. Please keep our family in our hearts as we go through this difficult time.
Wojcicki was born on July 5, 1968 in Santa Clara, California. She graduated from Harvard University in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in history and literature, and then received a master’s degree in economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1993. Sickey married Troper on August 23, 1998, and currently works at Google as director of product management.
Wojcicki joined Google in 1999 as one of the company’s first 20 employees and played a crucial role in the company’s $1 billion acquisition of YouTube in 2006. executive who oversaw the platform’s massive global expansion, including the launch of YouTube TV and the growth of Google Image Search.
Under her leadership, YouTube struck licensing deals in the music industry and successfully launched YouTube Music and YouTube Premium in 2018. Lord Grange personally congratulated Wojcicki.
Wojcicki worked closely with current Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl and played a key role in appointing Lyor Cohen as YouTube’s global head of music in 2016. . YouTube aspires to be the number one partner in the industry.
People from all walks of life in the industry expressed their condolences. You can read some below.
Melinda Gates from X: “Susan Wojcicki broke the mold. She was a visionary leader who intentionally opened doors for many young women who followed in her footsteps, and she remains one of those who dream of being as meaningful and impactful as she was A powerful role model for people of all backgrounds in science and technology careers.
Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai: “I am incredibly saddened to have lost my dear friend @SusanWojcicki after two years to cancer. She was as central to Google’s history as anyone else and it’s hard to imagine a world without her. She was an incredible person, A leader and friend who made a huge impact on the world, and I am one of countless Googlers who knew her better. Our thoughts are with her family. RIP Susan.
Wojcicki was preceded in death by her son, Marco. She leaves behind a husband and four children.
Rest in peace.
