Alphabet was created in 2015 as the parent company reorganizing Google and several related businesses.
Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin announced the new structure in August 2015. Under it, Google retained its major internet businesses, including Search, YouTube, and Android, while other ventures became separate Alphabet companies.
The reorganization allowed Google’s core advertising and technology operations to be reported separately from projects such as research, life sciences, and investment activities. Sundar Pichai became Google’s chief executive, while Page became Alphabet’s chief executive at launch.
People sometimes use “Google” and “Alphabet” interchangeably, but they are not identical corporate entities. Google is Alphabet’s largest subsidiary, whereas Alphabet is the publicly traded parent company whose shares are listed under the symbols GOOGL and GOOG.