Google Cloud GM And Microsoft Critic Departs, Says ‘Toughest Part’ Is Leaving CEO Kurian

‘Helping grow Google Cloud from $7.3 billion to over $41 billion in annualized revenue and contributing to the creation of the world’s fourth-largest enterprise software company has been a career-defining privilege,’ says Google Cloud’s Amit Zavery, general manager and vice president and head of platform.

Google Cloud’s general manager and Microsoft critic, Amit Zavery, is leaving the cloud giant after nearly six years leading Google Cloud’s business platform and cloud operations.

“Helping grow Google Cloud from $7.3 billion to over $41 billion in annualized revenue and contributing to the creation of the world’s fourth-largest enterprise software company has been a career-defining privilege,” said Amit Zavery in a LinkedIn post, which has garnered over 425 comments.

“The toughest part of leaving Google Cloud is stepping away from the opportunity to work with and learn from [Google Cloud CEO] Thomas [Kurian] on a daily basis,” said Zavery, general manager and vice president and head of platform for Google Cloud. “The decision to leave Google is one of the toughest I’ve ever made.”

Zavery was part of Google Cloud’s leadership team since 2019, reporting directly to Kurian.

He managed various teams and P&L areas around engineering, products, design, business planning, Google’s commerce platform and commercialization, such as pricing and programs, to name a few of his responsibilities.

Zavery could not be reached for comment by press time.

A Vocal Microsoft Critic

In July, Zavery fired shots at cloud and AI rival Microsoft after a European antitrust group—the Cloud Infrastructure Services Providers in Europe (CISPE)—withdrew its complaint to the European Commission regarding Microsoft’s cloud licensing practices.

“Microsoft’s playbook of paying off complainants rather than addressing the substance of their complaint hurts businesses and shouldn’t fool anyone,” said Zavery in an email to CRN in July. “Many regulatory bodies have opened inquiries into Microsoft’s licensing practices, and we are hopeful there will be remedies to protect the cloud market from Microsoft’s anti-competitive behavior.”

As part of the deal, Microsoft compensated CISPE members for lost revenue related to their cloud computing licensing costs over the past two years.

“We are exploring our options to continue to fight against Microsoft’s anti-competitive licensing in order to promote choice, innovation and the growth of the digital economy in Europe,” said Zavery at the time.

Zavery’s Oracle Career And Close Ties With Kurian

Zavery spent a 24 years at Oracle, working alongside Kurian.

He was executive vice president and corporate officer of product development for Oracle before leaving in 2019 for Google Cloud. Zavery departed Oracle shortly after Kurian was appointed CEO of Google Cloud.

“Over the span of more than 25 years—between Oracle and Google—I’ve had the privilege of reporting to Thomas. I’ve seen many leaders in action, but none quite like him,” said Zavery. “His consistent ability to understand markets, delve into any subject matter, distill complex information into actionable decisions, and relentlessly pursue positive outcomes with a customer-centric focus has been a master class in leadership.”

Zavery said the “toughest part of leaving Google Cloud” is stepping away from the opportunity to work with and learn from Kurian on a daily basis.

Zavery did not unveil where he will work next, although he alluded to an announcement in the future. “While this goodbye is bittersweet, I’m excited about the new adventures and opportunities ahead,” he said.