In Memoriam: Susan Wojcicki – A Tribute to the Former YouTube CEO

 

On Friday, August 9th, Susan Wojcicki's husband, Dennis Troper, shared the heartbreaking news of her passing. After a courageous two-year battle with non-small cell lung cancer, Susan left behind a legacy that will forever shape the world of technology and social media. Dennis wrote on Facebook, “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 became CEO of YouTube in 2014, leading the platform through some of its most transformative years. Her impact on the industry was immeasurable, and she was a driving force behind YouTube's growth into the global phenomenon it is today. Before taking the helm at YouTube, Susan was one of Google's first employees, helping to shape the company’s trajectory from its earliest days.

Neal Mohan, the current CEO of YouTube, paid tribute to his predecessor on social media, saying, “Today we at YouTube lost a teammate, mentor, and friend, Susan Wojcicki. Her legacy lives on in everything she touched at Google and YouTube. I am forever grateful for her friendship and guidance. I will miss her tremendously.”

Google and Alphabet CEO, Sundar Pichai, also expressed his sadness, writing, “Unbelievably saddened by the loss of my dear friend Susan Wojcicki. She was an incredible person, leader, and friend who had a tremendous impact on the world.”

Susan's passing comes just six months after the tragic death of her 19-year-old son, Marco Troper, who died of a drug overdose while attending UC Berkeley. Marco's loss was a devastating blow to the family, and Susan's death has left her husband Dennis and their four surviving children heartbroken.

Susan Wojcicki will be remembered not only for her brilliant mind and pioneering contributions to technology but also as a loving mother, a devoted wife, and a dear friend to many. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of innovators and leaders.