Gemini Co-Lead Noam Shazeer Moves From Google to OpenAI

Noam Shazeer, a Google Vice President of Engineering who served as co-lead of the Gemini AI models, disclosed around June 18, 2026 that he is moving to OpenAI. At OpenAI he is reported to take on the role of "architecture research" lead, overseeing the core structural design of future AI models. Shazeer said the decision to leave was difficult, while expressing pride in what he and his team had built at Google. The moves were reported by CNBC and Reuters.