So, why the change? Some people believe it’s to give Google a fresher face. Up until now, Eric Schmidt has been the one who always seemed more in the public eye – as the CEO, he usually would be the one to make the company announcements, and he was also thought to be the much more outgoing type. By contrast, Larry Page has always been more in the background, and has not shown his face publicly very much at all in the last decade. By swapping the two’s roles, Page will have more reason to show his face and get himself out there, and thereby implant himself in people’s minds as one of the key players in the company. Also, because he is less seen, his face may seem fresher to some, and help give Google the image of a fresher, friendlier company.

Of course, this is merely speculation – without Google offering an explanation, who can really be sure what they’re thinking? What do you think about this change? As always, comments are welcomed!