Shazeer leaves Google for OpenAI architecture lead
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- Noam Shazeer is leaving Google to join OpenAI as lead for architecture research
- Shazeer had rejoined Google in 2024 as a Gemini co-lead during the $2.7 billion Character.AI deal
Why it matters: Google is losing a foundational AI researcher to its chief rival just months after he returned as a Gemini co-lead. The $2.7 billion Character.AI deal that brought Shazeer back has now reversed course, sending the talent to OpenAI instead.
