Google appoints 4chan founder Christopher Poole to help tackle social media
Google has tapped Christopher Poole, founder of online community 4chan, to help with its ongoing efforts to be a successful player in the social media arena.
In a Tumblr post published yesterday (7 March) Poole said he couldn't wait to contribute his own experience "from a dozen years of building online communities, and to begin the next chapter of my career at such an incredible company".
While his official role has not been confirmed, his reference to "online communities" has led commentators to believe he will be involved with this side of Google's business.
"When meeting with current and former Googlers, I continually find myself drawn to their intelligence, passion, and enthusiasm — as well as a universal desire to share it with others.
"I’m also impressed by Google’s commitment to enabling these same talented people to tackle some of the world’s most interesting and important problems," Poole wrote on his blog.
A confirmation from Google's vice-president of streams, Bradley Horowitz, fuelled further theories that Poole is joining to help give Google+ a boost.
You may have seen the news (https://t.co/jwjOBocqJk) from @moot. Thrilled he's joining the team! Welcome Chris!
— Bradley Horowitz (@elatable) March 7, 2016
Poole founded controversial forum 4chan over 12 years ago, when he was just 15 years old. Last year he sold the site to Japanese rival Hiroyuko Nishimura for an undisclosed sum. Today the message board claims to attract 22 million unique visitors per month.