Is Google's Larry Page really the 'CEO of the Year'?
The tech giant's chief grabs a top honor, but critics question whether he deserves it
In April 2011, Google's Larry Page became CEO of the search giant he co-founded. Now, after just eight months on the job, he's been crowned "CEO of the Year" by Investor's Business Daily. The publication praised Page for boldly shaking up Google's management structure, for leading the company into new social ventures like Google Offers and Google+, and for growing revenue at a record pace. Was the boyish Page really the business world's best head honcho of 2011?
No way: You've got to be "kidding me," says Om Malik at GigaOm. Sure, Android is a "monster hit," but that's largely thanks to Android chief Andy Rubin. Meanwhile, Google's stock price increased just 6.88 percent in 2011. By comparison, Intel was up 16.31 percent, and Qualcomm rose more than 9 percent. It's true that Page made a lot of changes at Google — but "I see a lot of activity, but very few results." Apparently, "we are living in an era where activity counts for achievement."
"Larry Page, CEO of the year? You kidding me?!"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Maybe: To his credit, "Page led Google into social with the launch of Google+ and Google Offers," which has helped Google's revenue increase by 32 and 33 percent in the last two quarters, says Adi Gaskell at Technorati. But that doesn't mean Page clearly deserves this accolade. He's only been in the post since April, and other tech titans, like Apple and Intel, also had great years. Plus, Google has been attracting anti-trust scrutiny and industry criticism for some of its rather "nefarious tactics." That doesn't reflect well on Page.
"Google CEO Larry Page named boss of the year"
Yes. He deserves it: From launching Google+ to buying Motorola Mobility, "Page has done a number of major things since taking over in April," says Greg Sterling at Search Engine Land. Most importantly, he's helped the company avoid "bureaucratic malaise" by making bold decisions and bringing in new ideas, from restructuring the company to improving marketing campaigns. While many challenges lie ahead, "so far, Page's tenure has been impressive."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
How does the House Ethics Committee work?
In the Spotlight And what does that mean for Matt Gaetz?
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
The ultimate podcast list of 2024
The Week Recommends Some of the best podcast series released in the past year or so
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: December 26, 2024
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published