Rick Osterloh is the SVP, Devices and Services at Google, where his main role is to lead Google’s development of gadgets. His position is a pioneering one for Google, as it tries to take on big players such as Apple and Amazon in producing devices.
In his role, Mr Osterloh has helped to create and manage Google’s hardware division, launching some of Google’s most ambitious gadgets, such as Pixel phones, Google Home speakers, Daydream VR headsets, cloud gaming service Stadia, and the PixelBook tablet. Under his leadership, Google has continually made significant resources available to the development of devices and software. In 2018, Google parent company Alphabet also charged Mr Osterloh with oversight of Google Nest, a suite of smart home products that was previously run at arms length to Google.
Mr Osterloh’s role is to help Google to pivot into hardware and devices, instead of apps and software. His appointment in 2016 was a significant piece of the puzzle as Google broadens its interest in the gadget market, which threatens to eclipse its current software. Mr Osterloh is charged with helping Google to develop the capabilities to develop cutting-edge devices to help the company remain at the forefront of global technology.
