Google is a multinational technology company that specializes in internet-related services and products. Headquartered in California, Google is a well-known provider of search engine technology, cloud computing, as well as artificial intelligence. Google also offers a range of products and services such as Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, and its well-known Android software. It is also involved in hardware products and services too.
Ruth Porat is the Chief Financial Officer of Google and a board member of both Alphabet and the Ford Motor Company. She has served as Alphabet’s Chief Financial Officer since 2015 and she joined Google in 2015 as its CFO. Prior to joining Google, Porat worked at Morgan Stanley, where she served as the firm’s Chief Financial Officer and the Global Head of the Investment Banking division. She is regarded as an influential voice in the corporate world and she is a passionate advocate for workforce diversity and sound corporate governance.
Recently, Porat sent a memo to Google staff outlining new cost-cutting measures, including limiting employee perks and benefits. The memo, obtained by Insider, was signed by Porat, in addition to Prabhakar Raghavan, Google’s search lead. In order to save costs, the memo stated that some programs and services will have to be adjusted and even discontinued. The memo also addressed reducing food waste and machine utilization with efficiency, while focusing on the company’s investment opportunities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and embracing machine learning. Moreover, the memo made it clear that Google will continue to ensure high-quality services and amenities for its staff despite the cost-cutting. Porat acknowledged that the cost-cutting measures might affect the experience of Googlers but urged them to focus on using their resources to the fullest for the overall benefit of the company.