Alibaba Hires Google DeepMind Scientist Zhou Hao for Qwen AI Leadership
Google lost research scientist Zhou Hao, a key contributor to Gemini 3 and Deep Research with a Wisconsin–Madison PhD, to Alibaba’s Qwen AI team as head of post-training research. His exit, following the Qwen AI technical lead’s departure, intensifies competition for AI talent and may disrupt DeepMind’s development roadmap.
1. Scientist Departure
Zhou Hao, a senior staff research scientist with a PhD from University of Wisconsin–Madison and contributor to Gemini 3, AI Mode and Deep Research, has left Google DeepMind to become head of post-training research for Alibaba’s Qwen AI team. His exit follows the departures of Yu Bowen and technical lead Lin Junyang earlier this week.
2. Alibaba's AI Talent Strategy
The hire underscores Alibaba’s focus on bolstering its Qwen AI capabilities through high-profile acquisitions of DeepMind talent after an internal reshuffle that saw two senior AI leaders leave the project. This move aims to accelerate development of Qwen models by leveraging external expertise.
3. Implications for Google AI
Losing an advanced researcher may intensify competition for AI talent and could slow progress on future DeepMind initiatives as Alibaba strengthens its AI push. The shift highlights the growing war for top AI talent between global tech giants.