Meta taps into Apple's pool of AI specialists
In a move that could shake up the tech industry, Meta has embarked on an aggressive recruitment drive, targeting AI talent from rival organizations, including OpenAI, Google, and most notably, Apple.
The latest high-profile addition to Meta's ranks is Ruoming Pang, previously the head of large language models at Apple. Pang's compensation package at Meta is reported to exceed $200 million, a figure that has raised eyebrows and speculation about other senior members of Apple's AI team potentially following suit.
Pang's departure, along with that of Tom Gunter, another distinguished engineer from Apple's Foundation Models group, has been met with a ripple of uncertainty at Apple. Gunter, who left Apple last month, briefly worked at another AI startup before joining Meta.
Meta has wasted no time in integrating these new hires, with Pang and Gunter now working at Meta's Superintelligence Labs, led by Alexandr Wang. The recruitment of these AI heavyweights is part of Meta's larger strategy to build a formidable AI research team, which also includes Yann LeCun, a prominent AI researcher who now reports to Wang.
The recruitment of talent from Apple by Meta could have significant implications for both companies. Amid reports of declining morale among Apple's AI engineers due to feelings of being blamed for recent setbacks, Meta seems to be positioning itself as a more attractive alternative.
Meanwhile, Apple is grappling with decisions regarding in-house models versus third-party solutions for Siri and additional AI functionalities. This indecision, coupled with the departures of key personnel, may be causing engineers to consider leaving the company.
Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has highlighted AI as the company's primary focus, and the aggressive recruitment strategy seems to be paying off. By poaching top talent from rival organizations, Meta is potentially attracting engineers before Apple can address its internal issues, setting the stage for a fascinating battle in the realm of AI research.
