Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sundar Pichai

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Sundar Pichai made an impact.

Sundar Pichai is an Indian-American business executive currently serving as the CEO of both Google (since 2015) and its parent company, Alphabet Inc. (since 2019). His leadership spans across Google's diverse product portfolio, encompassing search, advertising, and emerging technologies, while also guiding Alphabet's broader strategic vision and investments in various innovative sectors.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2004: Joined Google

In 2004, Sundar Pichai joined Google, leading product management and innovation for client software products such as Google Chrome and ChromeOS, and overseeing Google Drive. He also oversaw the development of Gmail and Google Maps.

November 19, 2009: Demonstration of ChromeOS

On November 19, 2009, Sundar Pichai demonstrated ChromeOS.

May 20, 2010: Announcement of VP8 and WebM

On May 20, 2010, Sundar Pichai announced Google's open-sourcing of the new video codec VP8 and introduced the new video format, WebM.

April 2011: Served on Jive Software's board of directors

In April 2011, Sundar Pichai served on Jive Software's board of directors.

2012: Public Release of Chromebook

In 2012, the Chromebook was released to the public after trial and testing.

Check it on Amazon

March 13, 2013: Overseeing Android

On March 13, 2013, Sundar Pichai added Android to the list of Google products that he oversaw.

July 2013: End of term on Jive Software's board of directors

In July 2013, Sundar Pichai ended his term on Jive Software's board of directors.

2014: Contender for Microsoft CEO

In 2014, Sundar Pichai was suggested as a contender for Microsoft's CEO position.

August 10, 2015: Selected as CEO of Google

On August 10, 2015, Sundar Pichai was selected to become the next CEO of Google.

October 24, 2015: New position at Alphabet Inc.

On October 24, 2015, Sundar Pichai stepped into his new position upon the completion of the formation of Alphabet Inc., the new holding company for the Google company family.