Susan Wojcicki, a former CEO of YouTube, has passed away at the age of 56 after a two-year battle with lung cancer. She sadly died on August 9, 2024. The news was confirmed by her husband, Dennis Troper, who shared the details on social media.
“It is with profound sadness that I share the news of Susan Wojcicki passing,” he wrote on Facebook. “Susan was not just my best friend and partner in life, but a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a dear friend to many.
“Her impact on our family and the world was immeasurable. We are heartbroken, but grateful for the time we had with her. Please keep our family in your thoughts as we navigate this difficult time.”
This marks the end of a significant career in the tech industry, where Wojcicki was a pioneering figure, contributing greatly to Google’s early success and leading YouTube through a period of substantial growth.
Susan Wojcicki’s demise comes just a few months after her son, Benji, tragically passed away. He died in May 2024, after suffering complications from a severe asthma attack. His untimely death – a profound loss for the Wojcicki family, and Susan was reportedly deeply affected by this tragedy during her battle with cancer.
A Legacy to be proud of
Susan Wojcicki was a prominent American technology executive best known for her role as the CEO of YouTube, a position she held from February 2014 until February 2023. Before leading YouTube, Wojcicki was one of the early employees at Google, joining the company in 1999 as its 16th employee. She played a critical role in the company’s early development, helping to grow and monetize products like Google AdSense, and she was instrumental in Google’s acquisition of YouTube in 2006. 
Wojcicki has been recognized for her leadership and influence in the tech industry, consistently ranking on Forbes’ list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women. Her tenure at YouTube was marked by significant growth, with the platform expanding its user base and becoming one of the largest video-sharing sites in the world. However, her time at the helm was also challenging, as she navigated complex issues like content moderation, misinformation, and platform regulation.
In February 2023, Wojcicki stepped down as CEO of YouTube to focus on her family, health, and personal projects, though she continues to serve in an advisory role to Google and its parent company, Alphabet.
Her legacy includes not only her contributions to Google’s early success but also her leadership during a transformative period for YouTube.
