Google Looks to Ads Executive Susan Wojcicki as Next YouTube Chief

Google is likely to tap longtime ad products head Susan Wojcicki as the new head of YouTube, according to two people briefed on the discussions, a surprising move that would place one of the company’s earliest employees at the helm of the video unit.

The move would send a clear signal that Google CEO Larry Page wants to zero in on the site’s ad products. While YouTube’s growth has continued, the site has struggled to charge more for its ads as the supply of videos continues to outstrip advertiser demand across the Web.

The Information reported late last year that YouTube head Salar Kamangar had discussed moving to a new role. Mr. Kamangar, another close confidant of Mr. Page who took over the site in 2010, is expected to remain at Google although it is unclear in what job. He may become more involved in Google Ventures, the company’s venture capital arm, say people who know him. Mr. Kamangar has a close relationship with the head of Google Ventures, Bill Maris.