Vic Gundotra, of the key figures behind Google’s social network, is leaving the company.
The leadership of Google+ will be taken over by VP of Engineering Dave Besbris.
Guntotra confirmed the departure via his Google+ page and his departure is effective immediately.
Although no reason was given, Gundotra seemsed to sugget his leaving was promted by a tragic family accident, where his wife’s uncle was killed.
Vic Gundotra, in his Google+ announcement of departure, noted his now passed uncle would always start conversations with “and then?” Gundotra was full of praise for everyone he’s worked with.
Gundotra’s blog post read:
“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.”
Gundotra remained vague about what he will do next:
“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.”
In an interview with ReCode,
http://recode.net/2014/04/24/exclusive-google-head-vic-gundotra-leaving-company/
Google co-founder Larry Pagesaid “Vic cut his teeth on our mobile apps and developer relations, turning Google’s disparate efforts into something great … And, walking onto the stage at I/O last year, it was amazing to see developers so excited about Google. These were vintage Vic projects. Then Vic built Google+ from nothing. There are few people with the courage and ability to start something like that and I am very grateful for all his hard work and passion.”
Read Larry Page’s blog here