David Drummond is Stepping Down as Chief Legal Officer of Google's Parent Company Alphabet

David Drummond, one of the highest ranking black executives in tech, is stepping down as chief legal officer of Google's parent company Alphabet. Mr. Drummond has been with Google for nearly two decades, and in charge of everything from its legal and regulatory strategy to its investment activities. His decision to retire comes after he sold more than $200 million in Alphabet stock over the last several months.

“With Larry and Sergey now leaving their executive roles at Alphabet, the company is entering an exciting new phase, and I believe that it’s also the right time for me to make way for the next generation of leaders,” Drummond told employees in an internal memo provided to Forbes by Alphabet. “As a result, after careful consideration, I have decided to retire at the end of this month.”

Google cofounders Larry Page and Sergey Brin stepped down from their executive positions in early December, appointing Sundar Pichai as the CEO of both Google and Alphabet while remaining on the company’s board of directors.

Mr. Drummond, is leaving the company, effective January 31, 2020.