The Journey of Becoming the CEO of Google
Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, is one of the most successful and influential leaders in the tech industry today. His journey from a small town in India to the helm of one of the most valuable companies in the world is nothing short of inspiring. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of Sundar Pichai, his struggles, and his path to success.
Early Life and Education
Pichai Sundararajan was born on July 12, 1972, in Chennai, India. His father, Raghunath Pichai, was an electrical engineer, and his mother, Lakshmi, was a stenographer. Pichai grew up in a middle-class family in a small apartment in Ashok Nagar, a neighborhood in Chennai.
Pichai showed an early aptitude for academics and was always at the top of his class. He attended Jawahar Vidyalaya, a wellrespected school in Chennai, where he excelled in math and science. After completing high school, he earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in metallurgical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, one of the top engineering colleges in India. Pichai was a distinguished student at IIT and was awarded a Silver Medal for academic excellence.
After completing his undergraduate degree, Pichai moved to the United States to pursue higher education. He received a scholarship to study at Stanford University, where he earned a Master of Science degree in materials science and engineering. He then went on to study at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned an MBA with distinction.
Early Career
After completing his studies, Pichai started his career in product management at Applied Materials, a semiconductor equipment company based in California. He then joined McKinsey & Company as a management consultant, where he worked with clients in the technology and healthcare industries.
In 2004, Pichai joined Google, a relatively small but rapidly growing search engine company at the time. He started as a product manager, working on Google’s search toolbar and web browser. Pichai quickly became known for his analytical skills and his ability to understand the needs of Google’s users.
Rise at Google
In 2008, Google launched its own web browser, Chrome, and Pichai was put in charge of the project. Chrome quickly became popular with users, and Pichai’s leadership on the project earned him recognition within the company.
Pichai was later put in charge of Google’s suite of apps, including Gmail, Google Drive, and
Google Docs. He was also responsible for the development of Google’s mobile operating system, Android. Pichai’s leadership on Android helped the operating system become the most widely used mobile platform in the world.
In 2013, Pichai was promoted to senior vice president of products, where he oversaw Google’s core products, including search, maps, and Google+.
CEO of Google
In 2015, Google underwent a major corporate restructuring and became part of a new parent company, Alphabet Inc. Pichai was appointed as CEO of Google, while Larry Page, one of Google’s co-founders, became the CEO of Alphabet.
As CEO of Google, Pichai has led the company through a period of rapid growth and innovation. He has overseen the development of new products and services, such as Google Assistant, Google Home, and Google Pixel, and has continued to invest in the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.
In 2018, Pichai testified before the United States Congress on issues related to data privacy and censorship. He defended Google’s practices and emphasized the company’s commitment to user privacy and security.
Personal Life
Pichai is known for being a very private person, but he has shared some details about his personal life in interviews. He met his wife, Anjali Pichai, while they were both studying at the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur. They have two children and are known to be devoted parents. Pichai has also spoken about his love for soccer and his passion for the sport. He played soccer as a child and still follows the sport closely.
Despite his busy schedule as the CEO of Google, Pichai is known for his humble and down-toearth personality. He has been described as a thoughtful leader who values collaboration and teamwork. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, including donations to education and technology-related causes. In 2020, Pichai announced a $12 million donation to support organizations working to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall, Sundar Pichai’s journey to becoming the CEO of Google is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. From his humble beginnings in Chennai, Pichai has risen to become one of the most influential and respected leaders in the tech industry. His leadership at Google has helped shape the way we use technology, and his commitment to innovation and user privacy continues to inspire others in the industry.
