Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki Passes Away at 56

Tech titan Susan Wojcicki has passed away after living with non-small cell lung cancer for two years at the age of 56. Susan was previously, the CEO of video platform YouTube, where she worked for 25 years. She was also one of the first few (16^th) employees hired at Google.

Susan’s husband Dennis Troper released a statement on his personal Facebook account, announcing her demise on August 9.

The post read, “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of Susan Wojcicki passing. My beloved wife of 26 years and mother to our five children left us today after 2 years of living with non-small cell lung cancer.

“Susan was not just my best friend and partner in life, but a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a dear friend to many. Her impact on our family and the world was immeasurable. We are heartbroken, but grateful for the time we had with her. Please keep our family in your thoughts as we navigate this difficult time.”

Susan was one of the most influential women of Silicon Valley, and was also a tech giant. She was involved in development of Google during its nascent days.

Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google and Alphabet, took to microblogging site X to express his thoughts at Susan’s demise. The post read, “Unbelievably saddened by the loss of my dear friend Susan Wojcicki after two years of living with cancer. She is as core to the history of Google as anyone, and it’s hard to imagine the world without her.

“She was an incredible person, leader and friend who had a tremendous impact on the world, and I’m one of countless Googlers who is better for knowing her. We will miss her dearly. Our thoughts with her family. RIP Susan.”

Susan became YouTube CEO in 2014. She stepped down from the role in 2023 to “start a new chapter focused on my family, health and personal projects I’m passionate about.”