In a strategic maneuver to bolster its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, Microsoft has recently recruited over 20 employees from Google's DeepMind division. This aggressive talent acquisition underscores the intensifying competition among tech giants to lead in AI innovation.
The most prominent of these hires is Amar Subramanya, the former head of engineering for Google's Gemini chatbot. Subramanya announced his move to Microsoft as a corporate vice president of AI, expressing enthusiasm for the company's culture and ambition. He joins other notable ex-DeepMind staff, including engineering lead Sonal Gupta, software engineer Adam Sadovsky, and product manager Tim Frank. Collectively, these additions are expected to significantly enhance Microsoft's AI initiatives, particularly in consumer-oriented products like Copilot and the Bing search engine. (ft.com)
This recruitment drive aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy under Mustafa Suleyman, a DeepMind co-founder who now leads Microsoft's consumer AI efforts. Suleyman has been instrumental in attracting top AI talent, previously bringing in DeepMind veterans Dominic King and Christopher Kelly to spearhead a new AI health unit. This unit has already developed an AI medical system reportedly four times more successful than human doctors at diagnosing complex ailments. (ft.com)
The competition for AI expertise has led to a rapid escalation in wages and aggressive recruitment tactics. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, has criticized such practices, highlighting instances where competitors have offered substantial sign-on bonuses to lure developers. This talent war reflects the high stakes involved as companies strive to lead in artificial general intelligence and deploy advanced AI systems across various sectors. (ft.com)
While Microsoft remains tight-lipped about its hiring strategies, sources indicate that DeepMind's attrition rates are below the industry average, and Google continues to attract top talent from competitors. This ongoing exchange of expertise underscores the dynamic nature of the AI industry, where the movement of key personnel can significantly influence the direction and success of AI initiatives. (ft.com)
In summary, Microsoft's recent recruitment of DeepMind talent highlights the company's commitment to advancing its AI capabilities. By integrating experienced professionals into its teams, Microsoft aims to enhance its AI-driven products and maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Source: CNBC https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/22/microsoft-google-deepmind-ai-talent.html
