googlers,
You may have heard the news that Susan Wojcicki passed away after two years of battling lung cancer. Even as I write this I can’t help but feel that this is true. Susan is one of the most energetic and vibrant people I have ever met. Her loss is devastating for all of us who knew and loved her, for the thousands of Googlers she led over the years, and for the millions of people around the world who saw her, benefited from and felt her advocacy and leadership. The impact of the incredible things he created on Google, YouTube and beyond.
Susan’s journey, from being hired by Larry and Sergey to building consumer products and our advertising business … to becoming the CEO of YouTube, one of the most important platforms in the world, is nothing short of inspiring. But she didn’t stop there. As one of the earliest Googlers — and the first to take maternity leave — Susan used her position to create a better workplace for everyone. In the years that followed, her advocacy of parental leave set a new standard for businesses everywhere. Susan also had a deep interest in education. He realized early on that YouTube could be a learning platform for the world and championed “EdTubers” – people who were expanding the reach of STEM education, especially to underserved communities.
During the past two years, even as she faced personal difficulties, Susan devoted herself to improving the world through her philanthropy, including supporting research into the disease that ultimately claimed her life. I know it meant a lot to her and I’m so glad she took the time to do it.
Susan always put others first, her values and day to day. I will never forget the kindness she showed me 20 years ago as a future “Nugler”. He took me for ice cream and a walk around campus during my Google interview. I was sold – on Google and Susan.
I feel very fortunate to have worked closely with Susan for many years, and I’m sure many of you have — she is absolutely loved by her teams here. Her time on earth was short, but she made every minute count.
We are in close contact with Susan’s family, including her husband and fellow Googler, Dennis. We will soon share how we are going to celebrate his amazing life. In the meantime, let’s honor Susan’s memory by building a Google she can be proud of.
– Sundar
“Friend of animals everywhere. Devoted analyst. Total alcohol scholar. Infuriatingly humble food trailblazer.”