Since Larry Page took over as Google CEO more than two years ago, the company co-founder has streamlined management ranks, jettisoned non-essential product lines, and worked to increase Google’s competitive metabolism with “the passion and soul of a startup.” For Page, 40, the challenge is to continue to re-tune the company to compete and thrive for the next decade. Google is well positioned on the mobile front, but needs to emerge with a credible Android-based rival to the iPad. And Page must continue to confront Facebook by improving Google’s social offering.
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The child of computer science professors, Page was born in Lansing, Michigan. According to family legend, his father took him to Grateful Dead concerts when he was young. Years later, Page and his partner Sergey Brin would establish Google in Mountain View, Calif., across Jerry Garcia Boulevard from Shoreline Amphitheater. Over the last year, Page has suffered from an undisclosed voice ailment, but he still sounds enthusiastic on the company’s earnings calls. Page, who is worth an estimated $20 billion, frequently talks about how Google is making big bets, including self-driving cars and Google Glass, the company’s computerized eyewear.