Google business chief Nikesh Arora departs as search giant beats forecasts
Google’s business chief will be leaving the company, in the latest high-ranking departure at the search giant, as the firm beat second quarter revenue expectations.
Nikesh Arora, who joined Google nearly 10 years ago, will join Japanese tech and telecoms group SoftBank as vice chairman.
“Google had a great quarter with revenue up 22 per cent year on year, at $16bn (£9.3bn),” said finance chief Patrick Pichette.
“We are moving forward with great product momentum and are excited to continue providing amazing user experiences, with a view to the long term,” added Pichette.
Google’s revenue in the three months to 30 June totalled $15.96bn, compared to $13.11bn during the same period last year.
Google’s profits were $3.43bn in the quarter, up from $3.23bn a year ago.
Despite the growth, Google’s average price for an advert slipped six per cent from a year earlier. This figure nevertheless beat predictions of a seven per cent decline and was less than the nine per cent decline during the first quarter.
During the second quarter, Google said it added 2,200 employees, bringing its total headcount to 52,000 full-time employees worldwide.
Google’s shares rose 1.7 per cent during after hours trading, having closed down 1.6 per cent at $580.80 yesterday.