Google DeepMind Reorganizes AI Leadership; CEO Demis Hassabis Steps Aside From Day-to-Day Operations
Koray Kavukcuoglu will assume a senior vice president role leading DeepMind, while Hassabis focuses on AI safety and governance.
Google DeepMind is undergoing a leadership reorganization, with CEO Demis Hassabis stepping away from day-to-day management of the artificial intelligence lab. Koray Kavukcuoglu, currently DeepMind's chief technology officer, will replace Hassabis in a senior vice president position, leading DeepMind.
Hassabis's transition is part of a broader restructuring within the company, according to individuals familiar with the changes. Semafor previously reported that Hassabis had been gradually shifting daily responsibilities for Gemini and Google's consumer AI strategy to Kavukcuoglu for at least the past year. Sources indicate that Hassabis was not forced into the role change but found a position focused more on business less fulfilling than his primary interest in science.
Kavukcuoglu has been instrumental in the development of Gemini, often leading discussions about the project in company briefings. While Hassabis attended only the most critical meetings regarding Gemini, he was frequently present for discussions on post-AGI readiness, safety, and AI governance. His focus has increasingly shifted toward working with governments, including a recent appearance at the G7 summit.