Susan Wojcicki: Trailblazing former YouTube CEO dies at 56

Susan Wojcicki, the CEO of YouTube from 2014 to 2023, passed away at the age of 56. Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced the death of one of the world's most influential women. Wojcicki was a distant cousin of Mateusz Morawiecki.

"Unbelievably saddened by the loss of my dear friend Susan Wojcicki." Sundar Pichai wrote on X. The Google CEO noted that Wojcicki had been battling cancer for two years. Pichai added that Wojcicki was extremely important to Google's history, 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," he added.

In 2023, Susan Wojcicki left YouTube, where she had been the CEO since 2014. As noted by Reuters, 25 years ago, Google, founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, started in her rented garage. Wojcicki was one of the first employees hired at Google, which acquired YouTube in 2006.

After almost 25 years, Wojcicki shared last year that she had chosen to step down as YouTube's head to begin a new phase in her life, concentrating on her family, health, and personal interests. She also mentioned that Neal Mohan, who had been her colleague for nearly 15 years and had served as the chief product officer, would be succeeding her in the role.

"Forbes" listed Wojcicki among the hundred most influential women in the world in 2011 and 2012 (in 16th and 25th place).