Who were the other top contender apart from Sundar Pichai for the post of Google's CEO?

You will be surprised that there was no other contender in the race for the top spot at Google. 

Sundar Pichai was the CEO in waiting for a long time. There might be many motives behind starting Alphabet but the three most important consideration might be:

1. To allow Larry Page to focus on solving Billion People Problems. He can focus on making driverless cars, R&D in Bio-technologies, acquiring new businesses, etc.
2. To elevate Sundar Pichai to run the show at the Slimmer Google.
3. To make other units (white elephants) become self dependent and accountable for their performance.

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In both these instances, Mr. Page reached to  his right hand man, Mr. Pichai against the laid down protocol.

1. Larry Page dispatched Mr. Pichai to convince Nest CEO Mr Tony Fadell to get acquired by Google. He did that successfully.
2. Mr Pichai was also involved in the attempt by Google to convince Whatsapp not to get acquired by Facebook, although he couldn't convince Whatsapp Founders to change their mind. But, Mr. Page was satisfied with the approach of Mr Pichai.

It is evident that Mr Larry Page has tremendous faith in the capabilities of Mr Pichai. The growth of every person in a corporate job is zig zag but Mr Pichai has mostly seen rise at Google. May he do justice to the trust reposed in him and bring laurels to India as we do feel proud when any fellow Indian is recognized at the international level.