Breaking News: Yahoo Search Going down?
Word on the online world is that Sean Suchter, Yahoo’s top search engineer has left Yahoo the day after Jerry Yang stepped down as CEO. Yang was well known for his dedication to Web Search with his strong, perhaps stubborn efforts to grow this sector of Yahoo’s business including the rejection of Microsoft’s bids.
The tipster who gave this information to valleywag.com, states
“Today is the end of Yahoo Search. Sean Suchter just left for Microsoft. Everyone in the office is shocked. I’ve been on the Yahoo Search team for a while and he is the one key executive that it all depends on. If Microsoft has convinced him to leave and join them, they won’t need to buy Yahoo Search. We will just all join Microsoft anyway. I am definitely going to send him my resume.”
Suchter apparently commanded a lot of loyalty and respect from the Yahoo search group. Yahoo has already lost a search executive, Qi Lu, to Microsoft. Will there be more to come? Could Microsoft end up hiring it’s way into Yahoo’s search business?
Yahoo currently spends billions in expenses on its search vertical and would perhaps help its valuation by reallocating their focus on their other strengths. This sudden departure could be the first of many which may push Yahoo to consider this route. Most likely Yahoo will continue to do what it can to grow it’s search business but who knows?
Memo from Suchter’s Departure Below
From Valleywag.com
From: Tuoc Luong
Date: 11/18/08 3:43 PM
To: Yahoo Search TeamHi Everyone,
Unfortunately, I have to give some bad news to you. Sean Suchter has resigned. Sean’s last day will be December 19th.
Some of you will find this news shocking given that Sean has been a Gibraltar rock at Yahoo and in particular for the Search team. . I understand this.
I will point out that we’re on a good trajectory. We’ve released some good products and capabilities and the industry is beginning to take notice. We’ve closed the gap in Algo relevance and making great strides in building the next generation differentiated search experience and step function in relevance – not to mention infrastructure overhaul that prepares us for the future.
I came here to take on Google because I believe Yahoo above all is best positioned to take the battle to Google. I think we’re on the right path to changing the tide and would love to see everyone make the journey but I respect Sean’s personal decision. I’m committed to continue the battle against Google as long as Yahoo positions Search to be competitive (and I believe we are). I hope each and all of you feel the same way and stand with me to battle Google.
I’ve asked Arnab to step up and take over Sean’s role as head of YST. Just as Sean has been a strong arm for me, Arnab has been a strong arm for Sean. Although Sean casts a large shadow, I believe Arnab will step up to fill the hole with your support. Arnab will cast his own shadow as the new leader of YST and it’s the same YST team that has deliver great products like Search Assist, Secure Scan, SearchMonkey, BOSS, numerous MLR and QRW release to close the GAP in core relevance.
Sean and Arnab have been communicating to the YST leaders about the changes. Arnab has been thinking and discussing the new organization with people. He will send out an e-mail describing his organizational thoughts and plan for YST soon. I believe with the support of other leaders (myself, Bharat, Yongdong, Nam, ..etc), Arnab will fill the void and continue the battle with Google. I urge everyone to support Arnab in his new endeavor.
Tomorrow, I’ll be holding an all managers meeting to discuss the changes and Q&As.
Please wish Sean the best in his future endeavor and congratulate Arnab in his new role.
Thanks
Tuoc
What are your thoughts? Is the tipster overreacting or is Yahoo Search going to struggle in the coming years?
Paul Lee
Director of Online Marketing
LeadQual - SEM
Tags: jerry yang, Microsoft, News, Search Engine Marketing, SEM, yahoo
