Google Gemini co-lead Noam Shazeer leaves for OpenAI

Noam Shazeer, vice president of engineering and co-lead of Google's Gemini AI models, announced on June 18, 2026 that he is leaving Google to join OpenAI. Shazeer was a key figure in developing Gemini, Google's flagship AI model. The announcement was made via a post on X, and was confirmed by sources at both companies.

This move to OpenAI represents his third major career shift in the AI industry.

Neither company has provided details on the transition or its implications for ongoing projects. Shazeer's move underscores the intense competition for top AI talent between major labs.