Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube and a trailblazer in the tech industry, passed away at 56 following a two-year battle with non-small cell lung cancer. Wojcicki, one of the earliest employees at Google, played a pivotal role in the company’s history and led YouTube for nearly a decade before stepping down in 2023.
Her husband, Dennis Troper, announced her passing in a Facebook post, stating, “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of Susan Wojcicki’s passing. My beloved wife of 26 years and mother to our five children left us today after two years of living with non-small cell lung cancer. She was not just my best friend and partner in life, but a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a dear friend to many.”
Wojcicki’s contributions to Google began in its earliest days when its founders worked out of her garage in California. She became Google’s 16th employee and dedicated nearly 25 years to the company, shaping its evolution and success.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed his condolences on X, saying, “Susan was core to Google’s history. 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.”
Wojcicki stepped down as YouTube’s CEO in 2023 to focus on her family, health, and personal projects. Reflecting on her tenure, she wrote, “I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved. It’s been exhilarating, meaningful, and all-consuming.”
Susan Wojcicki’s passing marks the loss of one of Silicon Valley’s most influential women, whose legacy will be remembered by many in the tech community and beyond.
