Google’s Indian-origin director of news laid off after 13 years: ‘In privileged position’

Google has bid farewell to its Director of News Ecosystem Development, Madhav Chinnappa, who had been an integral part of the internet giant for an impressive span of 13 years. The seasoned news executive, of Indian origin and stationed in London, took to the professional networking platform, LinkedIn, to share the update with his connections, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and revealing his excitement to explore new avenues during this transitional phase.

As part of the departure process, Google has granted Chinnappa a “gardening leave” status. During this period, employees are not required to physically attend the workplace but continue to receive their full salary, enabling them to pursue personal interests and contemplate their next career move.

Reflecting on his illustrious tenure at Google, Chinnappa recounted the remarkable projects he spearheaded, of which he took immense pride. Notably, his contributions encompassed the Digital News Initiative, aimed at fostering innovation in the realm of digital journalism, as well as the Journalism Emergency Relief Fund, which provided essential support during times of crisis in the industry.

Chinnappa’s journey with Google commenced in 2010 when he assumed the position of head of strategic partnerships at Google News. Prior to his tenure with the tech giant, he dedicated nine years of his career to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), where he served as the head of business development and rights, solidifying his reputation as a reputable news industry professional.

His academic foundation includes a BA (Honours) in Economics and Policy Studies from Rice University, Texas, reflecting his commitment to understanding the intricacies of the dynamic global landscape.

The departure of Chinnappa comes in the wake of Google’s earlier announcement of widespread layoffs, which emerged in January of the current year. These layoffs impacted a total of 12,000 employees across the organization, prompting speculation and concern about the company’s long-term prospects.

CEO Sundar Pichai, in addressing the downsizing decision, attributed it to the prevailing economic downturn, emphasizing the necessity for safeguarding the company’s long-term vitality. While acknowledging the weight of the consequences on Google’s workforce, Pichai assumed full accountability for the choices that led to this course of action. He recognized that as a nearly 25-year-old company, Google would inevitably encounter phases of restrained growth, necessitating adaptive measures to ensure its continued success in the ever-evolving technology landscape.

With Chinnappa’s departure marking the end of a remarkable chapter at Google, the industry eagerly awaits his future endeavors and the company’s strategic trajectory amid these dynamic times.