Susan Wojcicki, a trailblazing figure in Silicon Valley and the former CEO of YouTube, has passed away at the age of 56 on August 10, 2024, in Los Altos, California. Her husband, Dennis Troper, confirmed her death, revealing that she succumbed to a two-year battle with non-small cell lung cancer.
Wojcicki was widely regarded as one of the most influential women in technology. Her career began at Google, where she made a lasting impact from its early days, having famously rented out her garage to Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. She played a pivotal role in the development of key Google products like AdWords and AdSense and was instrumental in the acquisition of YouTube in 2006.
Serving as YouTube’s CEO from 2014 until early 2023, Wojcicki led the platform through a period of significant growth and innovation. Beyond her business achievements, she was a staunch advocate for women in tech and championed improved workplace policies, including parental leave, setting standards that influenced the broader tech industry.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe, with Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressing profound sorrow over her passing, emphasizing her legacy as a leader, a friend, and a mentor to many. Wojcicki leaves behind her husband and their children, who remember her not only as a brilliant mind but as a loving mother and a remarkable human being.
The news of her death sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with many reflecting on her contributions and legacy:
Barbara Johnson commented, "Very sad ðĒ. She was always mentioned in stories about Women in Tech."
Gary Lewis shared a simple but heartfelt message: "RIP ðŠĶ."
Muwonge Charles expressed shock at her passing, saying, "So young."
Wafa Tawfeeq also shared her sorrow with a brief, "RIP."
Rosalie Shimborski questioned the cause of death, asking, "What did she die of?"
Ivette Santana Tristani remarked on the trend of early deaths among tech founders, noting, "All these tech founders have died earlier than they should have."
These comments reflect the widespread admiration for Wojcicki and the sadness felt by many at her untimely death. Her passing marks the loss of a visionary who shaped the tech landscape and advocated tirelessly for inclusivity and innovation.