Ahead of its IPO, OpenAI is simultaneously strengthening its research and policy teams. The two latest additions, one from Google and the other from the US policy circle, indicate that while advancing its capital markets plans, the company is also preparing for cutting-edge model competition and regulatory communication.
Noam Shazeer leaves Google
According to reports, Noam Shazeer, a senior researcher at Google DeepMind, has confirmed his departure from Google to join OpenAI. Shazeer previously worked on Gemini and is also a co-founder of Character AI.
He worked at Google for many years, only briefly leaving to found Character AI. Two years ago, Google reinstated his team and technical resources in a deal worth approximately $2.7 billion. His departure now signifies OpenAI's continued intensification of its competition for core research talent.
Former White House official joins new team
Another personnel change stems from policy direction. Dean Ball, who briefly worked on AI policy in the Trump administration's White House, said he will join OpenAI on July 6 to lead a new team called "Strategic Futures".
Ball stated on social media that this team will assist the company's management in developing cutting-edge AI policy directions. He will report directly to Jason Kwon, Chief Strategy Officer of OpenAI.
- Joined on: July 6th
- Reporting to: Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon
- Scope of coverage: Foreign policy and internal governance
Strengthening governance and external relations before listing
According to Ball, this small team will focus on catastrophic risks, recursive self-improvement, labor market impacts, and the relationship between cutting-edge AI labs and government and society.
He also mentioned that the new team will not only be responsible for external policy communication but will also participate in internal corporate governance. This reflects that OpenAI is simultaneously strengthening its technological reserves, governance capabilities, and communication systems with the government before its IPO.
Additional information:The article also mentions that Anthropic has recently faced renewed pressure from the US government. Against this backdrop, OpenAI's hiring of individuals familiar with Washington's policy framework further highlights the escalating competition among AI companies in terms of personnel, governance, and regulatory responses.
