06/08/2025
Face of the Day: Sundar Pichai
Sundar Pichai, the soft-spoken visionary from Chennai, India, is one of the most influential figures in today’s tech world. As the CEO of both Google and Alphabet, he is not just leading one of the world’s most powerful tech companies, he’s quietly shaping the future of how billions interact with information, devices, and each other.
Born in 1972 in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Sundar grew up in modest surroundings. His family lived in a two-room apartment, and he didn’t have access to a phone until he was 12. But his early fascination with technology, especially electronics, set him on a path that would take him from the classrooms of IIT Kharagpur to Stanford University and ultimately to Silicon Valley’s highest offices.
Joining Google in 2004, Sundar initially worked on the Google Toolbar, an underrated but crucial project that expanded Google Search to Internet Explorer and Firefox. But his real breakout moment came when he led the development of Google Chrome, now the world’s most-used web browser. His success in product management and innovation led to him overseeing major products like Gmail, Google Maps, Android, and Chrome OS.
In 2015, Sundar was appointed CEO of Google, and in 2019, he became the CEO of Alphabet, Google’s parent company. Under his leadership, the company has continued to lead in AI development, cloud computing, sustainability, and digital inclusion across the globe.
What sets Sundar apart is not just his intelligence but his humility, calm demeanor, and ability to lead with empathy. In a world of aggressive tech personalities, Sundar stands out with a leadership style rooted in patience, listening, and quiet confidence.
He has repeatedly emphasized accessibility, responsibility, and innovation, championing initiatives to expand digital education and combat misinformation. His journey from a middle-class Indian household to the top of one of the world’s largest tech empires is a beacon of possibility for dreamers around the globe.
Sundar Pichai’s story reminds us that true innovation isn’t always loud, it’s often thoughtful, inclusive, and deeply human.