Google Faces AI Exodus as 11 Executives Join Microsoft in 2025
UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Google has lost at least 11 AI and cloud executives to competitors, primarily Microsoft, in 2025. This mass departure highlights the fierce competition for AI talent that has intensified amidst a cooling Big Tech job market.
The latest reports confirm that these exits include key figures from both Google DeepMind and Google Cloud, with many now steering their careers at Microsoft. Notably, this trend marks a significant moment in the ongoing “AI talent wars,” where recruitment efforts have become increasingly aggressive.
Among the high-profile departures is Amar Subramanya, who left his role as vice president of engineering at Google to take on a new challenge as Microsoft’s corporate vice president of AI. Subramanya had dedicated over 15 years to Google before making this pivotal move in July. Similarly, Adam Sadovsky, a distinguished software engineer and senior director at Google for nearly 18 years, joined Microsoft in June, further solidifying the tech giant’s position in the competitive AI landscape.
The rivalry between Google and Microsoft is particularly intense, especially given that both companies are led by former co-founders of DeepMind, Mustafa Suleyman and Demis Hassabis. Suleyman, now spearheading Microsoft’s consumer AI initiatives, previously founded Inflection AI after departing Google. He, along with a significant portion of his team, was acquired by Microsoft in a substantial $650 million deal.
The competition for AI talent is not limited to Microsoft. Other companies like OpenAI and Nvidia are also making moves to attract top talent from Google. For instance, Albert Lee, who played a crucial role in Google’s high-profile acquisitions, has recently transitioned to OpenAI as its new vice president of corporate development.
In addition to Lee, other notable exits include Tim Frank, who was responsible for product management at Google and has now joined Microsoft as corporate vice president of AI monetization. Sunil Potti, previously general manager of Google Cloud’s security business, left for a venture capitalist firm, indicating a broader shift in talent across the tech industry.
The trend is clear: Google is not just losing employees; it is losing key innovators who are shaping the future of AI. As the competition heats up, the impact on Google’s AI and cloud strategy could be profound.
Next, eyes will be on how Google responds to this talent drain. Will they ramp up their hiring initiatives? Or will they focus on retaining existing talent? As this story develops, it remains crucial for tech enthusiasts and industry watchers to stay informed about the shifting dynamics in the AI sector.
The AI recruitment landscape continues to evolve, making it an urgent issue for both companies and employees alike. As firms vie for top-tier talent, the stakes have never been higher. Expect more updates as new developments unfold.
