A recognizable name in the industry, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki is stepping down from the role she has held for nine years. Vox reported the development, stating that one of Google’s earliest employees, Wojcicki, is leaving the company entirely.
Over the course of Wojcicki’s nine years at the helm, Youtube has continued its ascent to become one of the most prominent companies in the entertainment space. Moreover, the report stated that Neal Mohan will be replacing her in the role.
YouTube CEO Steps Down
Vox has reported a letter sent to employees notifying them that YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki is stepping down from the role that she has held for the past nine years. The notice stated the executive is leaving the company “start a new chapter focused on my family, health, and personal projects I’m passionate about.”
Over the course of her time at the helm of the video site, YouTube has become an invaluable part of Google’s business. The website was acquired by the company in 2006 and has been undeniably successful. In 2022, Alphabet reported the site generated $29.2 billion in ad sales. That number equates to more than 10% of the holding company’s total revenue.
Vox notes that Wojcicki’s departure also signifies the loss of “one of the very few women to operate a huge tech business.” She famously was a vital part of the founding of Google, renting out her garage to founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998. Only to join the company as its 16th employee a year later.
Wojcicki first started in Google’s marketing division, building its online business. Then, running the company’s best attempts to compete with the massive entity YouTube had become. Notably, Wojcicki was the first to suggest that Google purchase the video site instead of competing against it.
Neal Mohan, the man who will take on the role of CEO, was Wojcicki’s second in command at Youtube since 2015. Noting in her letter that she plans to “support Neal and help with the transition, which will include continuing to work with some YouTube teams, coaching team members, and meeting with creators.”