Google CEO, Sundar Pichai, will assume the CEO role at parent firm of the search engine giant Alphabet Inc. after the company co-founder – Larry Page stepped down on Tuesday, December 3.
Page and Google co-founder Sergey Brin “will continue their involvement as co-founders, shareholders and members of Alphabet’s board of directors,” the company said.
In a letter to employees, Page and Brin wrote: “We’ve never been ones to hold on to management roles when we think there’s a better way to run the company.”
Pichai took control of Google in 2015, 11 years after Google hired him. Praising Pichai, the founder duo said that he brings humility and a deep passion for technology to users, partners and employees every day.
Both Brin and Page backed Pichai and said, “no better person to lead Google and Alphabet into the future.”
The alphabet was formed in 2015, giving a separate identity to the original company Google and other projects such as autonomous car unit Waymo and smart cities group Sidewalk Labs. Pichai will be taking control of both Google and Alphabet at a time when both Page and Brin have distanced themselves, and the company is facing a spate of controversies.
The company is now facing anti-trust investigations and controversies over privacy and data practices in the United States and several countries around the globe.
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
The company lately also faced allegations of failing to address sexual harassment in the workplace. There have been reports that the company is failing to abide by its own ‘code of conduct’ set by the founders, which also includes “don’t be evil”.
On the latest announcement, Roger Say, an analyst at Endpoint Technologies Associates referred Pichai as a “technologist” and said that he has proved to be a steady hand for the last few years to conduct business at the highest level.
Pichai will now also have to face US President Donald Trump after the latter claimed that the internet search results is “bias”.
Pichai earlier this year met, President Trump to satisfy the president’s growing concerns that Google – the largest search engine will not help the US military but will aid Chinese and their army.
Also Read: Important Announcements Made By Google CEO Sundar Pichai Today