The news comes as Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin step down from their positions as Alphabet CEO and president, respectively.
In a blog post on the Google website, Page and Brin wrote:
“While it has been a tremendous privilege to be deeply involved in the day-to-day management of the company for so long, we believe it’s time to assume the role of proud parents—offering advice and love, but not daily nagging!”
They go on to state that due to its growing successes, Alphabet and Google no longer need two CEOs and a president and that Pichai will now be responsible for “leading Google and managing Alphabet’s investment in our portfolio of Other Bets”.
Both Page and Brin will continue to be ‘actively involved as board members, shareholders and co-founders’. While also remaining in regular contact with Pichai.
“There is no one that we have relied on more since Alphabet was founded, and no better person to lead Google and Alphabet into the future,” the two said.
In his own email to Google employees, Pichai said:
“I want to be clear that this transition won't affect the Alphabet structure or the work we do day to day. I will continue to be very focused on Google and the deep work we’re doing to push the boundaries of computing and build a more helpful Google for everyone. At the same time, I’m excited about Alphabet and its long-term focus on tackling big challenges through technology.”
Since founding Alphabet in 2015, the group has gone on to invest in such companies as Waymo, the self-driving technology company. Verily and Calico, the healthcare start-ups, in addition to investment subsidiaries GV and Capital G, which have supported hundreds of more business ventures.
