As the Chief People Officer at Waymo, Becky Bucich plays a pivotal role in shaping a mission-driven culture where employees, known as "Waymonauts," are deeply connected to the company’s vision of making roads safer. Bucich believes that workplace culture extends beyond office walls—it influences daily lives, conversations, and the broader community. At Waymo, she has championed a people-first approach, embedding purpose into every aspect of the employee experience. From structured leadership training to community-driven initiatives, Bucich ensures that Waymo remains not just an innovative autonomous driving company but also an inspiring place to work.
A California native, Bucich earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and geography from the University of California, Berkeley, before pursuing an MBA in international business at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. She started her career in human resources at General Electric, gaining experience in the healthcare and commercial finance sectors. Later, she joined Google, where she led HR for the company’s tech portfolio before transitioning to Google Cloud during a period of rapid expansion. Now at Waymo, she oversees talent development, employee engagement, and organizational growth, ensuring the company’s people strategy aligns with its technological advancements.
Bucich is a firm advocate for just-in-time learning, equipping first-line managers with the tools they need at critical moments in their leadership journey. Under her guidance, Waymo has implemented structured programs where new managers undergo foundational training within their first three weeks, ensuring they are well-prepared to lead. As Waymo expands its reach to new markets like Los Angeles and Austin, Bucich remains driven by the real-world impact of autonomous driving technology, knowing it enhances mobility for aging individuals, visually impaired passengers, and countless others who rely on safe, independent transportation.