TIME magazine has named Neal Mohan, Chief Executive Officer of YouTube, as its CEO of the Year for 2025, honoring his transformative leadership in steering the world’s largest video platform through a period of rapid change and cultural dominance.
Since taking the helm in 2023 after the departure of Susan Wojcicki, Mohan has overseen YouTube’s evolution from a digital village into a global metropolis of entertainment. Today, the platform attracts more than 2 billion daily visitors, with half of its viewership now occurring on television screens. Under Mohan’s guidance, YouTube has expanded into live sports streaming, strengthened its role in music and podcasts, and introduced groundbreaking AI tools designed to empower creators worldwide.
One of Mohan’s most notable achievements has been securing the NFL Sunday Ticket deal, bringing out‑of‑market games to millions of subscribers and positioning YouTube as a serious player in live sports broadcasting. While critics questioned the $2 billion annual rights fee, the move has boosted subscriptions and cemented YouTube’s bargaining power across the media industry. At the same time, YouTube Shorts has surged to 2 billion monthly users, rivaling Meta’s Reels and underscoring the platform’s dominance in short‑form video.
Mohan’s leadership style is described as approachable and collaborative. Unlike many tech titans who cultivate larger‑than‑life personas, he is known for his calm demeanor and willingness to engage directly with creators. Rising stars such as Kinigra Deon have praised his accessibility, noting that he takes time to recognize their work and encourage their growth. This creator‑first philosophy has become central to YouTube’s identity, reinforcing its role as the engine of the global creator economy.
Financially, YouTube has thrived under Mohan’s stewardship. In 2024, the platform generated more than $36 billion in advertising revenue, alongside $14 billion from subscriptions. Both figures rose sharply in 2025, reflecting advertisers’ growing investment in creator‑driven marketing. A recent industry report projected that spending on creators would reach $37 billion this year, a 25% increase from 2024. Mohan has positioned YouTube at the heart of this shift, describing the platform as “the world’s best stage” for people to perform on.
Beyond business metrics, Mohan has embraced innovation. In September 2025, YouTube unveiled more than 30 new AI‑powered programs—triple the number launched the previous year. These tools allow creators to translate and dub videos, automatically edit raw footage, and even generate music from text prompts. For many, such advances have lowered barriers to entry, enabling a new generation of voices to participate in the digital economy.
TIME’s recognition of Mohan reflects not only his strategic acumen but also his ability to balance competing priorities: freedom of expression, content moderation, and the safety of young audiences. With governments worldwide debating restrictions on youth access to social media, Mohan has emphasized YouTube’s responsibility to protect children while delivering meaningful value.
As YouTube continues to redefine how billions consume entertainment, news, and culture, Neal Mohan’s steady leadership has ensured the platform remains both a commercial powerhouse and a cultural touchstone. TIME’s accolade underscores his pivotal role in shaping the future of digital media, where innovation, accessibility, and creator empowerment drive the global attention economy.
