Google announced as part of its fourth quarter earnings that CEO Eric Schmidt will be stepping down as CEO effective April 4. Taking over the reins of the search behemoth will be mild-mannered co-founder Larry Page. Schmidt will not be leaving Google altogether, though. He will be taking on the role of Executive Chairman to focus on “deals, partnerships, customers and broader business relationships, government outreach and technology thought leadership”. Google’s other co-founder, Sergey Brin, will be taking on a more active role in strategic product development.
This is a big step for Google. Schmidt was brought in when it became evident the company would need a leader with real business experience. He was often called the ‘grown-up’ asked to keep things in order. Apparently, Google feels that sort of guidance is no longer needed. Some have speculated that Page and Brin pushed for the change in order to move decision making along faster. In fact, that’s just what was said in the statement, though no finger were pointed at Schmidt.
We suspect that Brin and Page have been making most of the strategic decisions behind the scenes for a long time now, Schmidt always felt like more of a king PR rep. Someone to talk to investors and give speeches. Now that’s going to be his official role. Do you think Google is making the right move?
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