Android head and chief evangelist Andy Rubin is stepping down from the role, Google has revealed.
Rubin will be replaced by browser and applications chief Sundar Pichai, who will retain responsibility for Chrome and Google's apps operations, CEO Larry Page said in a blog post announcing the changeover.
Page said the decision to leave was Rubin's, and that he will take up a new position at Google.
“Having exceeded even the crazy ambitious goals we dreamed of for Android—and with a really strong leadership team in place—Andy’s decided it’s time to hand over the reins and start a new chapter at Google,” Page said. “Andy, more moonshots please!”
As of today, over 750 million Android devices have been activated worldwide, and 25 billion apps have been downloaded from Google Play, according to the chief executive.
“While Andy's a really hard act to follow...Sundar has a talent for creating products that are technically excellent yet easy to use—and he loves a big bet,” Page added, pointing to the success of Google's Chrome browser.