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Eric Schmidt (born April 27, 1955) is an influential American businessman and technologist best known for his pivotal role in the growth of Google. He served as the CEO of Google from 2001 to 2011 and continued as the executive chairman until 2015, later advising the parent company, Alphabet Inc., until 2020. Under his leadership, Schmidt transformed Google from a small startup into a global technology giant, overseeing significant expansions in its infrastructure and product offerings alongside co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page.

In addition to his role at Google, Schmidt is a co-author of several bestselling books, including How Google Works (2014) and The New Digital Age (2013). He also co-authored Trillion Dollar Coach: The Leadership Playbook of Silicon Valley’s Bill Campbell (2019) with Jonathan Rosenberg and Alan Eagle, which shares invaluable leadership lessons from Campbell, a renowned mentor to many Silicon Valley executives. Schmidt’s insights have made him a sought-after commentator on technology and business strategy.

A prominent figure in academia and public policy, Schmidt has served on various boards, including those of Princeton University and the Mayo Clinic. He is known for his philanthropic efforts through Schmidt Futures, which supports initiatives at the intersection of technology and talent. Schmidt’s influence extends beyond business; he is recognized for his insights on technology’s impact on society and has been involved in various governmental advisory roles concerning innovation and security.