Co-founders of Google, Larry Page and Sergey Brin Resign From Alphabet, Sundar Pichai To Take Over

In what is probably the biggest news in 2019 from the technology sector, Google co-founders, Larry Page, and Sergey Brin decided to step down from their leadership positions at Alphabet (Google’s parent company). Google’s current CEO, Sundar Pichai, will take over as the CEO of both Alphabet and Google. Their decision is effective immediately. From the start of a new decade, Google and Alphabet will see a new leader guiding them!

Though the news comes as a shock in the business field, in hindsight, it seems understandable and a long time coming, given Pichai’s deft leadership of Google, that saw Google’s stakes rise in the last few years. 

Page and Brin jointly founded Google LLC in 1998, to analyze the importance of pages linked back to a website, whose relevance they determined using their algorithm “PageRank.” 

As the company grew more and more relevant each year, handling around 5.5 billion searches each day, Page and Brin undertook greater relevance in the business world. In October 2015, Alphabet Inc. was created to manage other aspects of Google’s business. Page assumed the role of Alphabet’s CEO, and Brin became the president. 

Upon completion of Google’s inclusion as the Alphabet’s leading subsidiary, Pichai replaced Page as the CEO of Google. Pichai became a de factor leader over time, appearing in shareholder meetings and congressional hearings as the top executive from Google. On the contrary, Page and Brin started distancing themselves from Google and Alphabet’s weekly meetings. Page did not attend the latest shareholder meeting in Alphabet, either. 

In a joint letter titled “A letter from Larry and Sergey,” Page and Brin addressed Google as their child. They mentioned that if it were a person, it would 21 years old now and thus capable of living without the parents’ “daily nagging!” They praised Sundar Pichai’s leadership abilities and praised his humble persona. They further announced his arrival as Google and Alphabet chief in that letter. Despite their resignation, Page and Brin will continue to serve as members of the Board of Directors, as well as influential shareholders. 

While it is true that Google experienced immense success since Pichai’s upgrade as CEO, it will be interesting to see how he manages both the roles simultaneously. Although, going by his management capabilities, there is little doubt that he will succeed in the role.

Also, it’ll be intriguing to see how the market gets affected by this sudden decision. Alphabet stock was up by 0.5% in after-hours.

 

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