Over 21 years after founding the world’s largest technology company, founders of Google Larry Page and Sergey Brin have announced that they will be stepping down from day-to-day management of the company. Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, will now be the CEO of both Google and Alphabet.
In 2015, Google changed the structure of the company, making Alphabet the parent company. While Pichai was the CEO of Google, Page and Brin were the CEO and President of Alphabet.
On Tuesday, the founders announced that they will be relinquishing their roles and Pichai will become the CEO of the parent company.
Page and Brin will remain active as co-founders, shareholders and board members of Alphabet.
“While it has been a tremendous privilege to be deeply involved in the day-to-day management of the company for so long, we believe it’s time to assume the role of proud parents—offering advice and love, but not daily nagging!” they said in a statement.
As per the founders, with Alphabet now being well-established, and Google and the Other Bets operating effectively as independent companies, it’s time to simplify management structure.
“Going forward, Sundar will be the CEO of both Google and Alphabet. He will be the executive responsible and accountable for leading Google and managing Alphabet’s investment in our portfolio of Other Bets. We are deeply committed to Google and Alphabet for the long term, and will remain actively involved as Board members, shareholders and co-founders. In addition, we plan to continue talking with Sundar regularly, especially on topics we’re passionate about!” they said in a statement.
I’m excited about Alphabet’s long term focus on tackling big challenges through technology. Thanks to Larry & Sergey, we have a timeless mission, enduring values and a culture of collaboration & exploration - a strong foundation we’ll continue to build on https://t.co/tSVsaj4FsR
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) December 4, 2019
In an email sent to employees, Pichai has said that this transition will not affect the Alphabet structure or the day-to-day work.
“I will continue to be very focused on Google and the deep work we’re doing to push the boundaries of computing and build a more helpful Google for everyone. At the same time, I’m excited about Alphabet and its long-term focus on tackling big challenges through technology,” he said.
Pichai has been with Google for over 15 years, having joined in 2004. He has been the CEO of the company since 2015.
Speaking about Pichai, the founders said, “Sundar brings humility and a deep passion for technology to our users, partners and our employees every day. He’s worked closely with us for 15 years, through the formation of Alphabet, as CEO of Google, and a member of the Alphabet Board of Directors. He shares our confidence in the value of the Alphabet structure, and the ability it provides us to tackle big challenges through technology. There is no one that we have relied on more since Alphabet was founded, and no better person to lead Google and Alphabet into the future.”