Google announced Larry Page is CEO, replacing Eric Schmidt.
But as Google has grown, managing the business has become more complicated. So Larry, Sergey and I have been talking for a long time about how best to simplify our management structure and speed up decision making—and over the holidays we decided now was the right moment to make some changes to the way we are structured.
For the last 10 years, we have all been equally involved in making decisions. This triumvirate approach has real benefits in terms of shared wisdom, and we will continue to discuss the big decisions among the three of us. But we have also agreed to clarify our individual roles so there’s clear responsibility and accountability at the top of the company.
When you read what Larry's role is leading product development and technology strategy it makes sense that Google's data center group would report to Larry.
Larry will now lead product development and technology strategy, his greatest strengths, and starting from April 4 he will take charge of our day-to-day operations as Google’s Chief Executive Officer. In this new role I know he will merge Google’s technology and business vision brilliantly. I am enormously proud of my last decade as CEO, and I am certain that the next 10 years under Larry will be even better! Larry, in my clear opinion, is ready to lead.
Sergey is working on strategic projects. But, how can Google develop new products without data center resources.
Sergey has decided to devote his time and energy to strategic projects, in particular working on new products. His title will be Co-Founder. He’s an innovator and entrepreneur to the core, and this role suits him perfectly.
And Eric is working on external projects - deals, partnerships, ... technology thought leadership that are increasingly important. You need Google's data centers for these deals.
As Executive Chairman, I will focus wherever I can add the greatest value: externally, on the deals, partnerships, customers and broader business relationships, government outreach and technology thought leadership that are increasingly important given Google’s global reach; and internally as an advisor to Larry and Sergey.
From left to right - Eric, Larry and Sergey in a self-driving car in a photo taken earlier today
So, even though Eric, Larry, and Sergey all have new roles. They all need Google's data centers.
How many companies do you know need data centers for the three top billionaire executives to do their job?