Re/code reported late Friday evening on a reorganization of Google management. Sources close to the situation tell Re/code that Google CEO Larry Page is transferring leadership of core Google products to Sundar Pichai.
A memo was reportedly sent to Google staff this afternoon informing them of the changes. Pichai will now oversee research, search, maps, Google+, commerce and ad products and infrastructure. In addition, Pichai will retain his responsibilities of overseeing Android, Chrome, and Google Apps.
Page stated in a memo to staff that the changes will allow him to focus his attention on existing and new products. He will continue to directly manage business and operations.
Re/codes sources say that Page has made mention in staff meetings that he wants to focus on the “bigger picture”, which he is unable to do with the multitude of duties associated with each product unit.
Pichai started working at Google in 2004 and has been adding key products to his portfolio ever since. He originally began managing the Chrome browser, which eventually turned into an operating system and a line of netbooks.
In 2012 Pichai took on the responsibility of managing Google Apps, and a year later in 2013 he was appointed to oversee Android as well.
Now another year later in 2014, Pichai has attained his highest level yet within the company. This is another example of Page’s penchant for rewarding Google loyalists. Re/code’s report points out that the top executives in the departments Pichai now presides over have been all been with the company for 10 years or more.
Executives who formerly reported to Page will now report to Pichai, which includes Alan Eustace in research, Amit Singhal in search, Dave Besbris in social, Jen Fitzpatrick in maps, Sridhar Ramaswamy in ads and commerce, and Urs Hölzle in technical infrastructure. Pichai, of course, will still report to Page.
