Neal Mohan, the Indian‑American chief executive officer of YouTube, has been honored as CEO of the Year 2025 by TIME Magazine, a high‑profile national recognition of leadership in business and technology. The announcement, published on December 8, 2025, places Mohan among an elite roster of executives shaping global industry and media landscapes, and underscores his influence at one of the world’s most powerful digital platforms.

Mohan’s career trajectory reflects the expanding impact of South Asian Americans in corporate leadership within the United States. Born in Lafayette, Indiana, to Indian‑origin parents and educated at Stanford University with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering and business, Mohan has spent decades building expertise in technology and media. After joining YouTube as Chief Product Officer, he was named CEO in 2023, succeeding Susan Wojcicki. Since stepping into the top leadership role, Mohan has overseen a period of significant expansion and innovation for the video‑sharing giant.

The TIME accolade celebrates Mohan’s strategic vision in adapting YouTube to dynamic market demands, notably expanding its reach across mobile, television, and global media formats. Under his stewardship, YouTube has launched dozens of AI‑powered tools, strengthened its role in creator economics, broadened live sports and premium content offerings, and navigated complex challenges in content moderation and regulatory scrutiny. The editorial accompanying the honor highlighted Mohan’s ability to balance user growth, monetization strategies, and the cultural impact of the platform in a period of rapid industry change.

Beyond business metrics, being named TIME’s CEO of the Year reflects the broader cultural relevance of Mohan’s leadership. YouTube reaches more than two billion logged‑in users daily, making it one of the most influential media ecosystems on the planet. Mohan’s direction has emphasized empowering creators, democratizing content production, and leveraging technology to facilitate global connection and expression. His calm and deliberate leadership style was also noted by TIME, distinguishing him in an era when high‑profile tech CEOs often occupy the spotlight for controversy as much as innovation.

For the South Asian American community and the U.S. tech sector at large, this recognition holds symbolic weight. Mohan joins a lineage of Indian‑origin executives who have risen to the top of major technology firms, further solidifying the demographic’s footprint in Silicon Valley and global business leadership. The acknowledgment by TIME not only honors individual accomplishment but also signals the increasing prominence of diverse talent in shaping future major industries.

Industry observers note that YouTube’s continued growth under Mohan’s leadership comes amid intensifying competition from other digital platforms and the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in content creation and distribution. The CEO’s vision for integrating technological innovations such as generative AI tools and global localized features seeks to keep the platform at the forefront of digital media transformation.

Mohan’s recognition as TIME’s CEO of the Year 2025 is widely covered by major outlets and marks a defining milestone in his leadership tenure. It also highlights a moment where the traditional boundaries between technology, culture, and global communication are increasingly converging under the influence of platform leaders.

Key Takeaways About Neal Mohan

• Neal Mohan has been named TIME Magazine’s 2025 CEO of the Year for his work leading YouTube.
• He has served as YouTube’s CEO since 2023 and previously was Chief Product Officer.
• Mohan has guided YouTube through strategic expansion across formats and global markets.
• The award underscores the growing influence of South Asian American leaders in U.S. tech.
• His tenure exemplifies the intersection of technological innovation with global cultural impact.