Are The Cracks Starting To Show At Google?
While Google has enjoyed unrivalled success for some years now there are signs that the inner workings of the company may not be as harmonious as many people had assumed. News that Douglas Merrill, Chief Information Officer at Google and Vice President of Engineering, is on his way to the record label EMI has raised a few eyebrows. Hot on the heels of this we have also heard that Ethan Beard, head of social media at Google, has quit to join social network leader Facebook. So what is going on?
While it is a little premature to say that Google is in trouble, these resignations are fairly high profile and in areas upon which Google has invested a great deal of time and money over the last few months. Even though there are likely to be more than capable under studies who can step into the vacant roles it does show for the first time that there is actually life after Google. For many years a position with Google has been seen as gold dust and something which many people would give their right arm for. However, recent events have now left Google looking more like a traditional employer, whereby if staff feel unloved or under paid then they will jump ship.
The social media side in particular is an area in which Google has been very keen to become more heavily involved. Recent ties up with some of the leading social network sites have seen Google?s Ads appear on more and more high profile websites around the world.
There is now speculation that Google may well look to acquire a readymade social network site rather than go trough the stress and strain of setting up their own brand. While they have more than enough funding in the bank to acquire any social network they choose, you can guarantee the price increases dramatically once they become involved. Interesting times ahead…..
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