Google has separated the mapping and commerce unit headed up by executive Jeff Huber in a “two-part management shift” that also saw Android chief Andy Rubin leave his position on Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal reports. Huber will now join the Google X unit run by Google co-founder Sergey Brin.
Google X is the team responsible for some of Google’s more interesting projects, including Google Glass and its self-driving car technology. It’s also the team that Andy Rubin is expected to join following his decision to step down as the chief executive of the Android unit.
Google’s mapping unit will now become part of the Google Search team, led by Alan Eustace, according to people “familiar with the matter,” who have been speaking to The Journal. The commerce unit will be integrated into the advertising group, led by Susan Wojcicki.
Google is yet to confirm these moves, and a company spokesman declined to comment. However, it’s thought the company did announce the move internally on Wednesday, around the same time Google chief executive Larry Page told employees that Rubin was leaving the Android unit.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
