A Bengaluru-based tech professional recently took to social media platform X to share an extraordinary encounter with Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai on the streets of San Francisco, an unexpected moment for which he was entirely unprepared.
Sid Puri, who serves as the Head of Growth for Retool in India, found himself face to face with the Google CEO while casually strolling down a street in San Francisco. To commemorate the unique experience, he managed to snap a photo with Pichai.
In his X post on Monday, Puri humorously remarked, “They told me to go to SF, but no one prepared me to just run into Sundar Pichai on the street.”
The photo captures Sundar Pichai dressed casually in blue jeans, a jacket, and stylish black sunglasses. Notably, Pichai appeared to be without visible security personnel, although Puri clarified that a security guard was present and responsible for capturing the picture.
The post rapidly gained viral traction on social media, amassing thousands of ‘likes’ and generating a flurry of comments. Users expressed admiration for Pichai’s down-to-earth demeanor and simplicity, while also expressing concern for his security given the unguarded appearance.
One user inquired about the use of a Pixel 8 phone, to which Puri responded with uncertainty, “no idea.”
Sundar Pichai assumed the role of Google CEO on October 24, 2015, succeeding Larry Page, who transitioned to CEO of Alphabet. On December 3, 2019, Pichai assumed the position of CEO for Alphabet as well.
In 2022, Pichai’s total compensation amounted to approximately $226 million, positioning him among the world’s highest-paid corporate leaders. This unexpected encounter serves as a testament to the approachability and humility of a prominent tech industry figure.
