Google, the tech giant, is undergoing significant leadership changes.
Prabhakar Raghavan, who until recently held the position of Senior Vice President in charge of Google Search, Assistant, Geo, Ads, Commerce, and Payments products, is making a strategic leap in his career.
On October 17, 2024, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced that Prabhakar would transition to a new role as the company’s Chief Technologist.
This move comes at a critical juncture for Google’s core search business, which faces renewed competition from rivals and a shifting landscape in consumer behavior.
Prabhakar Raghavan’s New Role at Google
In his new capacity, Prabhakar will partner closely with Sundar Pichai and other Google leaders.
His primary responsibilities include providing technical direction and leadership while fostering a culture of tech excellence within the company.
Prabhakar’s deep roots in computer science position him well for this role, where he will drive innovation, guide strategic decisions, and ensure that Google remains a trailblazer in the tech landscape.
The Challenge
Google’s core search business, once seemingly invincible, is now encountering its most significant challenge in over a decade.
Competitors like Microsoft and OpenAI are vying for a slice of the search market, and upstarts like Perplexity are pushing boundaries.
Meanwhile, users’ search habits are evolving, demanding more personalized and context-aware results.
Against this backdrop, Prabhakar Raghavan’s transition to Chief Technologist signals Google’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation.
Leadership Reshuffling at Google
Nick Fox, a seasoned Google executive and a member of Prabhakar’s leadership team, steps into the shoes of Google’s search chief.
Fox will oversee critical areas such as knowledge and information products, including search, ads, geo, and commerce.
This transition is part of a broader reshuffling within Google’s Knowledge and Information (K&I) team.
Notably, the Gemini app team, led by Sissie Hsiao, will now join forces with Google DeepMind under the leadership of Demis Hassabis.
The consolidation aims to improve feedback loops, accelerate model deployment, and maintain product momentum.
The Pace of AI
Sundar Pichai acknowledges that artificial intelligence (AI) moves faster than any previous technology.
To keep up, Google has been streamlining its organizational structures.
The recent merger of Android, Chrome, and hardware divisions into the Platforms and Devices team exemplifies this approach.
Prabhakar Raghavan’s transition aligns with Google’s commitment to adapt swiftly and simplify structures to thrive in the Gemini era.
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