By Andy Fry

Google/YouTube’s parent company Alphabet has started to cut 12,000 jobs across the sprawling tech giant’s workforce. In an email, CEO Sundar Pichai, who earns around US$2m a year and is given a substantial equity award every three years. said he took “full responsibility” for the cuts, which will affect 6 per cent of Alphabet’s workforce.

Pichai thanked staff, saying their “contributions have been invaluable. While this transition won’t be easy, we’re going to support employees as they look for their next opportunity. Until then, please take good care as you absorb this difficult news.”

One high profile casualty is YouTube global head of kids, family originals, Craig Hunter, who shared the following message via LinkedIn. “Sad to share that I am one of the 12,000 impacted by the Google layoffs. I’m heartbroken for my time there to end so abruptly. I’m proud beyond words to have led an incredible team and to have worked with so many brilliant people along the way. Not to mention all the impactful shows we made. It’s been a life changing experience for me. There is so much I’ll miss.

Hunter added: “As I take time to figure out my next steps, please reach out if you know of openings to hire an experienced international senior leader.”