Google DeepMind enters a new era as co-founder Demis Hassabis shifts AI role
Demis Hassabis is stepping back from his day-to-day role as CEO of Google DeepMind to become chair, while also taking on the role of chief scientist at Alphabet. The move signals a tighter integration of the AI unit into Google's corporate structure, raising concerns about the loss of its independent research culture.
Why it matters
The leadership change reflects the shifting priorities of major tech companies as they transition from experimental AI research to commercializing flagship models like Gemini.
Demis Hassabis at Google's offices in London. Demis Hassabis at Google's offices in London. DeepMind Google DeepMind enters a new era as co-founder Demis Hassabis shifts AI role Observers express concern that the division has lost its independence and commercial reality has taken over
Prefer the Guardian on Google When Sir Demis Hassabis said AI had brought the world to a “pivotal moment in human history” last month, he knew another big change was imminent.
This shift was closer to home. The Nobel prize-winning head of Google DeepMind, Google’s AI unit, announced this week he was relinquishing his day-to-day duties as chief executive and becoming chair. He is also taking on the role of chief scientist at DeepMind’s parent, Alphabet.
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