Google AI Co-Lead Noam Shazeer Departs for OpenAI Ahead of $1 Trillion IPO
Google VP of engineering and Gemini AI models co-lead Noam Shazeer is leaving to join OpenAI, less than two years after Google paid $2.7 billion to rehire him from Character.AI. His departure follows OpenAI’s S-1 filing for an IPO that could top $1 trillion, enhancing its technical profile ahead of listing.
1. Shazeer Leaves Google for OpenAI
Noam Shazeer, vice president of engineering and co-lead of Google’s Gemini AI models, announced on June 18 that he is departing to join OpenAI. Shazeer has been central to advancing Google’s AI research and overseeing development of its flagship Gemini project.
2. Google’s $2.7 B AI Talent Investment
In 2024, Google paid $2.7 billion to reacquire Shazeer from Character.AI, underscoring his critical role in pioneering the Transformer architecture and other core AI breakthroughs. This outlay reflected Google’s broader strategy to secure top-tier AI talent amid escalating rivalry.
3. Move Aligns with OpenAI IPO Push
Shazeer’s exit comes shortly after OpenAI filed its S-1 for an IPO that could exceed $1 trillion in valuation. His recruitment bolsters OpenAI’s technical bench ahead of going public and may shift competitive dynamics in the AI sector.
