Vic Gundotra, Head of Google+, Leaves Google After 8 Years

Vic Gundotra, head of Google’s social network Google+, has just announced his departure from the company. This move follows a rumor that started through the iOS app “Secret”, which stated simply, “Vic Gundotra is interviewing”. At this point, speculation could run rampant about why he’s chosen to leave Google, especially since Google+ doesn’t have the reputation Google’s wanted it to have by this point (or if it does, I’m certainly not seeing it), but Vic’s move is as simple as it gets: He needed a change, and perhaps a little break.

A month ago, the uncle of Vic’s wife died in a tragic accident; he was riding his bike to go grab some lunch. This of course affected Vic quite a bit, which can be seen through his emotional Google+ post. Vic doesn’t say what’s coming next, and it could be that he doesn’t even know himself. What does seem certain is that he needs to relax, and contemplate things.

As it appears, Vic will greatly miss working at Google:

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.

Larry Page, in response, had kind words about Vic:

… you 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 your hard work and passion. I really enjoy using Google+ on a daily basis, especially the auto awesome movies which I really love sharing with my family and friends. Good luck with your next project after Google.

Taking the place of Vic will be David Besbris, another Google VP of Engineering. How Google+ will fare from this change, we’ll have to wait and see.