Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube and a pivotal figure in the development of Google, has passed away at the age of 56. Wojcicki’s husband, Dennis Troper, announced the tragic news via social media, revealing that she had been battling non-small cell lung cancer for the past two years. Troper shared heartfelt tributes to his wife, describing her as “not just my best friend and partner in life, but a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a dear friend to many.”
Wojcicki’s career was marked by her significant contributions to the tech industry. She played a crucial role in Google’s early days by renting out her garage to co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, which led to Google’s incorporation in 1998. In 2006, while overseeing Google Video services, Wojcicki recommended acquiring YouTube, a decision that proved to be a defining moment in the company’s history. The platform was purchased for $1.65 billion and Wojcicki was appointed CEO of YouTube in 2014. Her leadership during her nine-year tenure was instrumental in transforming the video-sharing service into a major force in entertainment, culture, and politics. In 2015, she was recognized as one of Time’s 100 most influential people.
In 2023, Wojcicki announced her decision to step down from her role at YouTube, citing a desire to focus on her family, health, and personal projects. Her departure came just months after the death of her 19-year-old son, Marco Troper. Marco, a freshman at UC Berkeley, was found dead in his dorm room in February. Reports indicated that his death was due to a combination of alprazolam, cocaine, amphetamine, and hydroxyzine.
Troper’s announcement of Wojcicki’s passing emphasized the profound impact she had on her family and the world, expressing gratitude for the time they had together despite the heartbreaking circumstances. “We are heartbroken, but grateful for the time we had with her,” he wrote. As her family navigates this difficult time, the tech community and many who knew Wojcicki are mourning the loss of a remarkable leader and influential figure.
