Google India applauds as Sundar Pichai, one of their own, becomes the new CEO

NEW DELHI/BENGALURU: As Googlers woke up to Alphabet on Tuesday, the mood at its India offices was mostly upbeat, with employees joining in the applause about Sundar Pichai taking the reins at Google.

"We woke up to the news this morning. It was as much a surprise for us as for the rest of the world. But it is a good thing because of the diverse kind of work that Google is doing now as a company. It will help the management to focus better," said a Hyderabad-based employee who did not wish to be named. Several people that ET spoke to said the shake-up is likely to mean more opportunity within the company and the core business of Google will become a more prestigious and coveted place to work at. The Indiaborn Chief Executive Pichai is widely regarded as grounded and wise, having successfully handled multiple portfolios at the technology giant.

"At one level there is a feeling of being proud that he’s an Indian but we are also reminded that he worked very hard and that is why he is here," said an employee based in Bengaluru, who also did not wish to be named.

Besides, they were encouraged not to think of Pichai as an Indian or as belonging to an ethnicity first, but as a global leader. "Our managers told us today that this is an example of how Google is a global company looking for leaders irrespective of race or religion," said another employee.

While social media was flooded with congratulatory messages for the new CEO from people across diverse fields and businesses, older employees also reminisced about their interactions with Pichai.