Google Gemini Co-Lead Shazeer Departs After $2.7 Billion Repatriation Deal
GOOG•Google VP of engineering Noam Shazeer, co-lead of its Gemini AI model, is departing to join OpenAI, less than two years after a $2.7 billion repatriation deal. Chief scientist Jeff Dean backed Odyssey’s $310 million Series B at a $1.45 billion valuation.
1. Shazeer’s Departure
Noam Shazeer, vice president of engineering and co-lead of Google’s Gemini AI model, has announced he is leaving to join OpenAI. His exit comes less than two years after his high-profile return from Character.AI.
2. $2.7 B Repatriation Deal
In 2024 Google secured Shazeer and a team of researchers in a deal valued at roughly $2.7 billion, intended to accelerate its generative AI efforts and directly challenge rival models.
3. Impact on AI Strategy
Shazeer’s departure underscores Google’s challenge in retaining top AI talent and may introduce delays or strategic shifts in the Gemini development roadmap amid intensifying competition.
4. Jeff Dean’s Odyssey Investment
Google chief scientist Jeff Dean participated in Odyssey’s $310 million Series B round at a $1.45 billion valuation, signaling senior AI figures are also backing external world model research ventures.
