TIME magazine has named YouTube chief executive Neal Mohan its 2025 CEO of the Year, recognising his role in guiding the video platform through a period of historic growth and cultural influence.
The Indian-American business leader, known for his measured and understated style, has overseen YouTube’s rise as a dominant force in entertainment, advertising and the creator economy.
Since taking charge in 2023, Mohan has strengthened YouTube’s hold on global audiences despite intense competition. The platform, which turned 20 this year, now draws more than 2 billion daily visitors and has firmly established itself in living rooms through both YouTube TV and the main app. Half of all viewing now takes place on TV screens, while YouTube Shorts attracts around 2 billion logged-in users each month, rivalling Meta’s Reels.
YouTube’s revenue has surged under Mohan’s leadership. Last year it generated over US$36 billion in advertising income and US$14 billion from subscriptions, with both figures rising sharply in 2025. The platform continues to drive the shift toward creator-led marketing, with advertisers expected to spend US$37 billion in the creator economy this year, 25% more than in 2024.
TIME highlights Mohan’s calm, approachable persona, contrasting it with the often high-profile style of other tech leaders. Despite running what the magazine calls “the world’s most powerful distraction machine,” Mohan prefers ordinary routines: watching sport, attending his daughters’ dance recitals and keeping a low public profile.
A technologist at heart, Mohan has championed YouTube’s rapid expansion into AI-driven tools. In September, the company unveiled more than 30 new AI programs to help users create, edit and translate videos, tripling last year’s output. The aim is to make content creation more accessible at a time when becoming a creator ranks as a top dream career for teenagers.
Mohan’s personal journey is marked by resilience and global experience. Born in Indiana, he moved with his family to Lucknow at age 12, where he studied Hindi and Sanskrit before returning to the United States to attend Stanford University. His early work at NetGravity and DoubleClick helped shape modern digital advertising, and he later served as YouTube’s Chief Product Officer before becoming CEO.
He continues to navigate complex challenges, including growing concerns about youth safety online. Australia’s ban on YouTube for under-16s comes into effect this month, prompting Mohan to reiterate the platform’s commitment to ensuring young users benefit from a safe and valuable experience. This year, YouTube also settled a US$20 million lawsuit with former US President Donald Trump over his post-January 6 suspension, choosing to resolve the matter to focus on the platform’s future.
TIME describes Mohan as a culture-shaping figure whose decisions influence what billions watch every day. As YouTube expands its reach across devices, demographics and markets, the magazine says Mohan’s steady leadership and focus on innovation have made him one of the most significant tech executives of the decade.
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