Former YouTube CEO Wojcicki dies at 56

Susan Wojcicki, the trailblazing former CEO of YouTube, passed away at the age of 56 after a two-year battle with non-small cell lung cancer.

Her husband, Dennis Troper, confirmed the news on Facebook on Friday night, expressing deep sorrow for the loss of his wife of 26 years and the mother of their five children. “Susan was not just my best friend and partner in life, but a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a dear friend to many,” Troper wrote.

Wojcicki leaves behind a legacy that has deeply influenced the tech industry. Google CEO Sundar Pichai paid a heartfelt tribute, stating, “She is as core to the history of Google as anyone, and it’s hard to imagine the world without her. 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. Our thoughts are with her family. RIP Susan.”

Born to a family of high achievers, Susan Wojcicki was the daughter of journalist and educator Esther Wojcicki and Polish American physicist Stanley Wojcicki.

She is survived by her mother Esther; her sisters Janet, an anthropologist and epidemiologist, and Anne, the co-founder and CEO of 23andMe; her husband Dennis Troper; and their four living children. Tragically, she was predeceased by her son Marco, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 19, and her father Stanley.

Tech luminaries have also expressed their condolences and shared memories of Wojcicki’s influence. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff described her as “a trailblazer in the industry, an exemplary mother, and a cherished friend. Her kind heart, wise counsel, and philanthropic spirit touched countless lives.”

Apple CEO Tim Cook echoed these sentiments, saying, “She was one of Silicon Valley’s visionaries. She will be missed by so many. May she rest in peace.”

Tesla CEO Elon Musk also took to social media, noting, “Rest in peace. Especially tragic to see such an early death.”

Susan Wojcicki’s tenure at YouTube and her broader contributions to the tech industry have left an indelible mark. Her leadership and vision not only shaped YouTube into the global platform it is today but also inspired countless individuals in the tech community and beyond.