YouTube’s longtime CEO Susan Wojcicki is stepping down

Longtime YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki announced Thursday that she is stepping down. Wojcicki is part of Alphabet’s inner circle, having worn many hats since becoming an early Google hire 25 years ago and a prominent voice for women executives in Silicon Valley.

“Today, after nearly 25 years here,” she wrote in a letter to staff. “I’ve decided to step back from my role as the head of YouTube and start a new chapter focused on my family, health, and personal projects I’m passionate about.”

Neal Mohan, the company’s chief product officer, will take over as chief executive.

“With all we’re doing across Shorts, streaming, and subscriptions, together with the promises of AI, YouTube’s most exciting opportunities are ahead, and Neal is the right person to lead us,” Wojcicki told YouTube staff.

In a joint statement, Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, said: “Susan has a unique place in Google history and has made the most incredible contribution to products used by people everywhere. We’re so grateful for all she’s done over the last 25 years.”

Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot and MusicThinkTank, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, President of the Skyline Artists Agency, and a professor for the Berklee College Of Music.