How Google’s Founders Slowly Stepped Away from Their Company
Google, one of the most influential companies in the world, was founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998. Over the years, the company has grown exponentially, becoming a dominant force in technology, advertising, and various other industries. However, the journey of Google’s founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, away from the company they built has been a gradual process, marked by various strategic decisions and personal choices. This article delves into the story of how Google’s founders slowly stepped away from their company.
In the early years of Google, Page and Brin were deeply involved in the company’s operations and decision-making processes. They were instrumental in shaping Google’s innovative culture and vision. However, as the company grew, the founders began to realize that they needed to step back and allow others to take on more responsibilities. This realization was partly driven by the increasing complexity of the company and the need for a more diverse leadership team.
One of the first steps Page and Brin took to reduce their involvement was to appoint Eric Schmidt as the CEO of Google in 2001. Schmidt, a seasoned executive with experience at companies like Sun Microsystems and Novell, was tasked with leading the company’s day-to-day operations. This move allowed Page and Brin to focus more on their roles as President of Products and President of Technology, respectively, while still maintaining a significant influence over the company’s strategic direction.
As Google continued to expand, the founders faced the challenge of balancing their roles within the company with their personal lives. This led to a gradual reduction in their day-to-day involvement. In 2011, Page and Brin announced that they would step down from their CEO and President roles, respectively, to become the company’s new co-chief executives. This decision marked a significant shift in their leadership style, as they would now focus on long-term strategy and key partnerships.
In 2015, Page and Brin further distanced themselves from the company by stepping down as co-chief executives. They were replaced by Sundar Pichai, who had been serving as the company’s Chief Executive Officer since 2015. This move allowed Page and Brin to focus on their personal interests and ventures, such as the development of a self-driving car company called Waymo.
The process of Google’s founders stepping away from the company has been a strategic and gradual one. They recognized the need for a more diverse leadership team and the importance of balancing personal and professional lives. By reducing their involvement, Page and Brin allowed the company to continue its growth and innovation under new leadership. Although their influence on Google may have diminished over time, their legacy as the founders of the world’s most successful search engine and technology company remains unwavering.
