WorkThe story, in brief
Google Gemini co-lead Noam Shazeer leaves for OpenAI
Google's Gemini co-lead just walked to OpenAI. That's the third senior AI researcher Google has lost in 90 days.
The KeyNews take
Why it matters
High-level talent flight from Google to OpenAI signals confidence in OpenAI's AI roadmap and suggests Google may be losing its edge in attracting top research talent—a critical factor in the model wars.
The key facts
4 to knowNoam Shazeer, VP of Engineering and Gemini co-lead, departing Google
Shazeer joining OpenAI
Published June 18, 2026
CNBC reporting
Go to the source
CNBC Technologycnbc.com
Publisher excerpt: Google's vice president of engineering and a co-leader of its Gemini AI models announced Wednesday he is leaving the company to join OpenAI.