Susan Wojcicki, former YouTube CEO, loses her battle with lung cancer at 56

Susan Wojcicki, a pivotal figure in the growth of Google and YouTube, has died at the age of 56, according to tributes from her husband, Dennis Troper, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Wojcicki’s death follows a battle with non-small cell lung cancer and the recent loss of her son, Marco Troper.

Wojcicki joined Google in 1998 as its 16th employee and played a crucial role in the company’s rise from a small startup operating out of a garage to a global tech giant. Her early contributions were instrumental in developing Google’s advertising business, notably through the creation of AdSense and the landmark 2007 acquisition of DoubleClick, a deal that laid the groundwork for Google’s dominance in digital advertising.

In 2014, Wojcicki took on the role of CEO of YouTube, a position she held until February 2023. During her nearly nine-year tenure, she was credited with transforming YouTube into the world’s leading video platform, fostering the emergence of countless celebrities and influencers who now shape global digital culture. Under her leadership, YouTube expanded its reach and influence, becoming a central hub for video content across diverse genres.

Wojcicki’s impact on Google extended beyond her work at YouTube. She was a driving force behind Google’s advertising strategy and was instrumental in convincing the company’s board to acquire YouTube in 2006, a move that proved to be a cornerstone of Google’s media empire. Her strategic vision in these roles earned her recognition as one of the most influential women in tech.

The news of her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the tech industry and beyond. Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, and many others have praised Wojcicki for her visionary leadership and significant contributions to technology and media.

Wojcicki’s death marks the end of a remarkable career that not only helped shape one of the most important tech companies of the 21st century but also set the stage for the digital advertising revolution. As Google faces ongoing scrutiny over its advertising practices, including a significant antitrust lawsuit from the US Justice Department, Wojcicki’s legacy as a key architect of the company’s advertising empire remains a critical part of its history.