History of Sundar Pichai in Timeline

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

June 10, 1972: Sundar Pichai Born

On June 10, 1972, Pichai Sundararajan, later known as Sundar Pichai, was born. He is an Indian-American business executive.

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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.

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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.

2016: Included in Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2016, Sundar Pichai was included in Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people.

August 2017: Firing of Google Employee

In August 2017, Sundar Pichai drew publicity for firing a Google employee who wrote a ten-page manifesto criticizing the company's pro-diversity policies.

2017: Appointed to Alphabet Board of Directors

In 2017, Sundar Pichai was appointed to the Alphabet Board of Directors.

December 11, 2018: Testimony Before House Judiciary Committee

On December 11, 2018, Sundar Pichai was questioned by the United States House Judiciary Committee on Google-related issues such as possible political bias, alleged plans for a "censored search app" in China, and privacy practices. Pichai stated that Google employees cannot influence search results, users can opt out of data collection, and there were no current plans for a censored search engine in China.

December 2019: Became CEO of Alphabet Inc.

In December 2019, Sundar Pichai became the CEO of Alphabet Inc.

2020: Included in Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2020, Sundar Pichai was included in Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people.

2021: Asia Game Changer Award

In 2021, Sundar Pichai was awarded the Asia Game Changer Award by the Asia Society.

2022: Padma Bhushan Award

In 2022, Sundar Pichai received the Padma Bhushan in the category of Trade and Industry from the Government of India, which is the country's third-highest civilian award.

2022: Compensation topped $200 million

In 2022, Sundar Pichai's compensation from the company topped $200 million.

2023: Google layoffs

In 2023, Google undertook large scale layoffs which were criticized in light of Pichai's high compensation.

April 2024: Response to Project Nimbus Protests

In April 2024, after 28 Google employees were fired for protesting against Project Nimbus, Sundar Pichai stated that the office is not a place "to fight over disruptive issues or debate politics", and warned against using the company "as a personal platform".