Anjali Pichai may not be a household name, but her influence is felt across the tech world. Married to Sundar Pichai, the highest paid Indian CEO globally, Anjali has been a pivotal figure in her husband’s remarkable career trajectory. Sundar Pichai, the acclaimed CEO of Alphabet Inc.—Google’s parent company holding an impressive market cap of $2.09 trillion—is well-regarded in the industry. Yet, many are unaware of the significant role that his wife has played in his ascent to the apex of corporate America.
With an annual salary exceeding Rs 1800 crore, Sundar earned a staggering Rs 1869 crore package in 2022 alone, outpacing the earnings of India’s wealthiest tycoon, Mukesh Ambani. This equates to Sundar pocketing over Rs 5 crore daily. It’s a sum that’s hard to comprehend, but according to the tech executive himself, this level of success might not have been attainable without Anjali Pichai’s sound advice and unwavering support.
It was Anjali who counseled her husband to stay the course at Google when lucrative offers from other tech giants like Twitter and Yahoo came knocking. Their partnership is a testament to the power of personal relationships in shaping professional decisions. The impact of her guidance is not lost on Sundar Pichai, who has publically credited her for helping him remain at Google, a decision that has led him on the path to becoming a ‘rare’ billionaire. Sundar Pichai’s estimated net worth now hovers around the billion-dollar mark— approximately Rs 8342 crore—placing him among an elite cadre of non-founding billionaire tech CEOs.
This couple’s journey is a tale of determination and perseverance. Their earlier days were marked by hardship, reflecting the struggle of many young immigrants in the United States. After Sundar moved to the U.S., the duo endured extended periods of separation, unable to afford long-distance calls. Despite the challenges, they sustained their relationship, and Anjali’s steadfast commitment to her husband’s career has been evident. Reports indicate that Anjali has dissuaded Sundar from accepting offers from several companies, advocating for the potential she saw in Google.
Since Sundar Pichai joined Google, the company’s stock has soared by more than 400%, a growth trajectory intimately entwined with the innovation and leadership Sundar has brought to the corporation. A leading force in the AI revolution, Google continues to scale new heights under his helm.
Anjali’s own journey is equally noteworthy. Hailing from Kota in Rajasthan, she crossed paths with Sundar Pichai at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, where she pursued a degree in chemical engineering. Post-graduation, Anjali landed a role at Accenture and later took her talent to Intuit, where she currently serves as a Business Operation Manager. Her professional path reflects a keen sense of dedication and acumen that mirrors the business insight she has provided at home.
The story of Anjali and Sundar Pichai is not just about individual achievements but also about the symbiosis that can drive success. Sundar Pichai’s ascent to the pinnacle of Google’s leadership and the brink of billionaire status may make headlines, but it is the unwavering support and wise counsel of Anjali Pichai that underscores this tale of professional triumph. Their partnership has indeed proven to be a cornerstone of Sundar’s extraordinary achievements in the dynamic landscape of technology and business.
