Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube and one of Google's earliest employees, died on August 9, 2024, at the age of 56. Her husband, Dennis Troper, shared the devastating news, explaining she had been battling non-small cell lung cancer for the past two years.
"It is with deep sadness I inform you of Susan's passing. My beloved wife of 26 years and mother to our five children left us today," Troper wrote on Facebook.
Wojcicki was widely respected and acknowledged within the tech community for her significant contributions. Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, expressed his sorrow by stating, “Unbelievably saddened by the loss of my dear friend @SusanWojcicki... She is as core to the history of Google as anyone.”
Throughout her career, Wojcicki played a pivotal role at the tech giant. She facilitated the launch of several successful initiatives, including AdSense, and helped transform YouTube, which now boasts over 2.5 billion monthly active users.
Wojcicki's beginnings with Google are legendary; she was the one who rented her garage to Sergey Brin and Larry Page. She recalled the moment she met them, saying, "I owned a garage, and I was worried about covering the mortgage, so I was willing to rent my garage to any student.”
Her influence at Google extended well beyond financial success. She was also known for championing women within the tech sector, advocating for more diversity and inclusion.
Wojcicki's personal life included both triumph and tragedy. Earlier this year, she suffered the loss of her son, Marco Troper, who died at 19 from what was ruled as an accidental overdose.
Despite the challenges, she remained committed to her work and family. Her advocacy for parental leave set new standards within Google, being the first employee to take such leave.
A mentor to many, Wojcicki inspired countless individuals with her vision and leadership. Neal Mohan, the current CEO of YouTube, called her “a mentor and friend” and emphasized the lasting impact of her work.
The outpouring of tributes following her death reflects the immense respect she garnered. Industry leaders, colleagues, and friends highlighted her kindness, influence, and dedication to creating opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Wojcicki's legacy includes not just the companies she helped build but also the lives she touched. She leaves behind not only her family but also the enduring spirit of innovation she inspired among her peers.
From innovator to leader, Wojcicki embodied the spirit of Silicon Valley. Her story serves as both inspiration and reminder of the powerful role of women in tech.
While her contributions will continue to shape the digital world, her absence will be felt deeply by those she left behind. The tech community and the millions of users worldwide will always carry forward her vision for inclusivity and creativity.
