Google founders Brin, Page step down, Sundar Pichai to take over as CEO of both Google and Alphabet

Ending an era at the world’s biggest Internet’s search company, Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page are both leaving their leadership roles at Alphabet and CEO Sundar Pichai will become chief executive of both Google and its parent company, Alphabet, according to a blog post announcement. Page is stepping down as CEO of Alphabet, while Brin is resigning as its president.

Google also eliminated the need for two CEOs and a President for Alphabet and Google. Both will remain board members of Alphabet, a company that overseas not just Google but also research into artificial intelligence and self-driving cars.

“With Alphabet now well-established, and Google and the Other Bets operating effectively as independent companies, it’s the natural time to simplify our management structure,” Page and Brin wrote in a blog post announcing the change. “We’ve never been ones to hold on to management roles when we think there’s a better way to run the company. And Alphabet and Google no longer need two CEOs and a President.”

In a blog post on Google, Page and Brin said in a blog post that “it’s the natural time to simplify our management structure.” Page became CEO of Alphabet after Google restructured to form the parent company in 2015. He had previously been CEO of Google.

Below is the key message Larry and Sergey shared is this:

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!

With Alphabet now well-established, and Google and the Other Bets operating effectively as independent companies, it’s the natural time to simplify our management structure. We’ve never been ones to hold on to management roles when we think there’s a better way to run the company. And Alphabet and Google no longer need two CEOs and a President. Going forward, Sundar will be the CEO of both Google and Alphabet. He will be the executive responsible and accountable for leading Google, and managing Alphabet’s investment in our portfolio of Other Bets. We are deeply committed to Google and Alphabet for the long term, and will remain actively involved as Board members, shareholders and co-founders. In addition, we plan to continue talking with Sundar regularly, especially on topics we’re passionate about!

Just like Bill Gates after he left as the CEO of Microsoft and became the Chief Architect in 2006, Both Page and Brin will remain “actively involved” as members of Alphabet’s board, according to the letter. The co-founders still have controlling voting shares of the company. Page holds about 5.8% of Alphabet shares, Brin controls about 5.6% and Pichai holds about 0.1%, ensuring the new CEO may still be challenged by the company’s founders.