Wojcicki became involved with Google when the founders, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, set up shop in the garage of her home in Silicon Valley in 1998, becoming the company’s first marketing manager a year later.

A Google employee for nearly 25 years, she was among the first 20 employees at the tech giant – listed at number 16.

In statement to employees, Wojcicki said she was stepping back to focus “on my family, health, and personal projects I’m passionate about.”

The statement also said: “Over the years, I’ve worn many hats and done so many things: managed marketing, co-created Google Image Search, led Google’s first Video and Book search, as well as early parts of AdSense’s creation, worked on the YouTube and DoubleClick acquisitions, served as SVP of Ads, and for the last nine years, the CEO of YouTube.

“I took on each challenge that came my way because it had a mission that benefited so many people’s lives around the world: finding information, telling stories and supporting creators, artists, and small businesses. I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved. It’s been exhilarating, meaningful, and all-consuming.”

Incoming CEO Neal Mohan also has a long history with Google, dating back to 2007.

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Commenting on her chosen successor, Wojcicki said that Mohas “has a wonderful sense for our product, our business, our creator and user communities, and our employees. Neal will be a terrific leader for YouTube.”