Andre Yoskowitz
24 Apr 2014 19:52
Longtime Google executive and Google+ boss Vic Gundotra has confirmed he is leaving the company.
"Now is the time for a new journey," said Gundotra, via his Google+ page. "A continuation."
Reportedly, the search giant's social network will now be headed by Google VP of engineering David Besbris. Gundotra joined the company eight years ago after leaving Microsoft and was recently responsible for many of Google+'s features including "circles."
While the social network never caught on like Facebook, it does have over 540 million active users, and Google says 300 million regularly visit the Plus homepage.
Reads the rest of his post:
Today I'm announcing my departure from Google after almost 8 years.
I have been incredibly fortunate to work with the amazing people of Google. I don't believe there is a more talented and passionate collection of people anywhere else. And I'm overwhelmed when I think about the leadership of +Larry Page and what he empowered me to do while at Google. From starting Google I/O, to being responsible for all mobile applications, to creating Google+, none of this would have happened without Larry's encouragement and support.
I'm also forever in debt to the Google+ team. This is a group of people who built social at Google against the skepticism of so many. The growth of active users is staggering, and speaks to the work of this team. But it doesn't tell you what kind of people they are. They are invincible dreamers. I love them. And I will miss them dearly.
Finally, thank you to all those who I've met on Google+. The community here has been so supportive that I don't even know how to say thank you. You all make Google+. Without you, this social network wouldn't exist. Your support for Google+, and for me personally is something I will never forget.
But, now is the time for a new journey. A continuation. An "and then". I am excited about what's next. But this isn't the day to talk about that. This is a day to celebrate the past 8 years. To cry. And smile. And to look forward to the journey yet to come.