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The DecoderJune 18, 2026· 1 min read

Google's Gemini co-lead Noam Shazeer joins OpenAI after two-year return stint

Noam Shazeer, co-lead of Google's Gemini models, is leaving Google to join OpenAI. He had previously worked at Character.AI and had returned to Google in 2024.

What happened

Shazeer co-authored the influential 'Attention Is All You Need' paper and was part of Google's Gemini models. He had a brief stint back at Google after being acquired by Character.AI in 2024. Now, he's moving to OpenAI, following a similar move by Karpathy to Anthropic.

Why it matters

This hiring shake-up in the AI industry may signal changes in the competitive landscape. As key researchers move between companies, it could impact the development and direction of AI technologies. You should stay informed about these shifts, as they may affect your business's AI needs or partnerships.

The takeaway

Keep an eye on the movement of key researchers in the AI industry, as it may influence the development of AI technologies and their potential applications in your business.

Read the original at The Decoder

Our plain-English take, written from public reporting for operational business owners. Always read the original for full context.

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