Noam Shazeer, a Google vice president of engineering and co-leader of Google’s Gemini AI models, is leaving Google to join OpenAI, multiple outlets report. Shazeer’s departure is described as a move into OpenAI’s organisation, part of a broader “AI talent war” as companies compete for key researchers and executives. Reports note that Shazeer is also associated with the founding of Character.AI, and that his role at Google includes engineering leadership tied to the Gemini models. While the articles focus on his transition and current positions, they do not provide detailed information on what specific job title or responsibilities he will take on at OpenAI. The reporting consistently frames the announcement as occurring on Wednesday, with each outlet citing that Shazeer publicly stated he is departing his Google role. Overall, the coverage agrees on his identity, his leadership role at Gemini and Google, and the direction of his move to OpenAI, with only limited details beyond the announcement and background information.