AI Research
Jun 18, 2026
Noam Shazeer Leaves Google to Join OpenAI as AI Talent Competition Intensifies
Jun 18, 2026
AI Summary
Noam Shazeer, Google's vice president of engineering and co-lead of Gemini AI models, has announced his departure to join OpenAI. His exit highlights the ongoing competition for AI talent among tech companies, especially following Google's recent AI product launches and OpenAI's IPO filing.
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- Noam Shazeer has left Google to join OpenAI, where he expressed excitement about working with the team.
- Shazeer previously returned to Google in August 2024 after co-founding the AI startup Character.AI, which was established following his departure from Google in 2021.
- His departure emphasizes the competitive landscape for AI talent, particularly after Google's recent introduction of new AI products at its developer conference.
- OpenAI has also filed for an initial public offering, marking a significant moment in the tech industry.
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