Google's mission to flatten its management structure has reached its ads division, an internal memo reveals

Core Insights - Google is restructuring its management layers in the US ad sales unit to enhance efficiency and decision-making speed as growth slows and competition increases from AI-driven rivals [2][4][9] - The Google Customer Solutions (GCS) division will see changes in leadership structure starting January 2024, including the removal of "Managers of Managers" roles [3][8] - The restructuring reflects a broader trend in the tech industry towards leaner management structures, with other companies like Intel, Amazon, and Microsoft also adopting similar strategies [9] Management Changes - The number of managers overseeing small teams in Google has been reduced by 35% over the past year [2] - All managers in select teams will transition to "Heads of business" and report directly to directors, eliminating an intermediate management layer [8] - GCS is described as managing a portfolio comparable to a Fortune 100 company, emphasizing its significance within Google's overall business strategy [4][10] Strategic Focus - The restructuring aims to empower teams and maintain close leadership involvement in operations, thereby accelerating decision-making processes [4][9] - Google plans to reopen account executive roles to strengthen customer partnerships, indicating a commitment to investing in capacity despite the management changes [9] - GCS is positioned as the "core channel for scaling growth" as the company reduces teams in the Large Customer Sales (LCS) division [10]