TIME Magazine Names Neal Mohan as 2025 CEO of the Year

On December 8, 2025, TIME magazine named Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube, as its 2025 CEO of the Year, recognizing his transformative leadership and strategic vision that have significantly expanded YouTube's global influence.

Since assuming the role in 2023, Mohan has propelled YouTube into new frontiers, notably increasing television viewership to account for half of the platform's audience and introducing over 30 AI-powered tools to democratize content creation. His initiatives have not only enhanced the creator economy, generating billions in advertising revenue, but also solidified YouTube's position as a cultural and technological powerhouse.

Background

Born on July 14, 1973, in Lafayette, Indiana, Mohan spent his early years in the United States before moving to Lucknow, India, in 1985. He returned to the U.S. in 1992 to pursue higher education at Stanford University, earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1996 and an MBA in 2005.

Career Trajectory

• Early Career: Mohan began his professional journey at Accenture before joining the startup NetGravity in 1997. NetGravity was later acquired by DoubleClick, where Mohan played a pivotal role in the company's strategic direction.

• Google and YouTube: In 2007, Google acquired DoubleClick, bringing Mohan into its fold. He served as Senior Vice President of Display and Video Ads at Google before transitioning to YouTube as Chief Product Officer in 2015. During his tenure, he spearheaded initiatives like YouTube Music, YouTube TV, YouTube Premium, and YouTube Shorts.

Leadership at YouTube

Since becoming CEO in 2023, Mohan has focused on expanding YouTube's reach across various platforms, notably increasing television viewership to account for half of the platform's audience. He has introduced over 30 AI-powered tools aimed at democratizing content creation and enhancing the creator economy, which now generates billions in advertising revenue.

Social and Societal Implications

Mohan's leadership reflects a broader trend of Indian-origin executives ascending to top positions in major global corporations, highlighting the increasing influence of the Indian diaspora in the tech industry. His initiatives at YouTube have significantly impacted the digital content landscape, empowering creators worldwide and reshaping how audiences consume media.

Conclusion

Neal Mohan's recognition as TIME's 2025 CEO of the Year underscores his pivotal role in transforming YouTube into a multifaceted platform that not only entertains but also empowers creators and shapes global media trends.