Google’s 17-year veteran AI researcher joins TikTok-parent company

Google researcher Wu Yonghui, a 17-year veteran at the tech company, has jumped ship to join TikTok-parent company ByteDance to help lead the company’s efforts in the artificial intelligence (AI) race. Yonghui, a key figure in the development of Gemini AI models, has joined ByteDance in a senior leadership role, reporting directly to CEO Liang Rubo.

Citing the two people with the knowledge, The Information reports that this marks a significant acquisition of AI talent for ByteDance, placing Wu among the company’s top executives, including TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew.