Barret Zoph Joins Google as VP of Research Following Stints at OpenAI and Thinking Machines
Artificial intelligence researcher and executive Barret Zoph has taken on a new role as vice president of research at Google. The move follows a series of executive transitions across the artificial intelligence sector, marking Zoph’s return to Google after working at OpenAI and co-founding the startup Thinking Machines.
What Happened
Zoph previously spent two years working at OpenAI before departing in October 2024. Following that departure, he co-founded the AI startup Thinking Machines alongside Mira Murati, who had left OpenAI a month prior in September 2024.
In January, Zoph and another co-founder, Luke Metz, exited Thinking Machines to rejoin OpenAI. It was later revealed that Zoph had been fired from the startup. Upon his return to OpenAI, Zoph was appointed to lead AI enterprise sales. However, his second tenure at the company lasted five months, concluding with his departure in June.
Zoph has now returned to Google—another previous employer—as vice president of research. A Google spokesperson confirmed the appointment to the Wall Street Journal, stating that the company looks forward to Zoph returning and contributing his reinforcement learning (RL) and post-training expertise to Gemini.
Key Highlights
- New Position at Google: Barret Zoph has been named vice president of research at Google, where he previously worked.
- Focus on Gemini: According to a company spokesperson, Zoph will contribute his expertise in reinforcement learning (RL) and post-training to Google’s Gemini project.
- Prior Startup Departure: Zoph co-founded Thinking Machines in October 2024 with Mira Murati, but left the venture in January after being fired.
- Short Tenure at OpenAI: After rejoining OpenAI in January to lead AI enterprise sales, Zoph departed the organization in June after five months.
- Broader Industry Turnover: High executive turnover has affected the AI sector, particularly OpenAI, which has experienced the departure of several critical leaders, including its chief operating officer and a top data center executive, even as it prepares for an IPO.
Why This Matters
Executive movement between leading artificial intelligence laboratories highlights the competitive demand for specialized technical leadership. A Google spokesperson directly tied Zoph’s appointment to the development of Gemini, pointing specifically to his technical background in reinforcement learning and post-training.
At the same time, the transition reflects an ongoing period of leadership changes at major tech firms. OpenAI has experienced substantial personnel turnover over the past eight months, losing key personnel across operations and infrastructure even as it works toward an initial public offering.
What to Watch Next
Observers will be monitoring Zoph’s technical contributions to Google’s Gemini platform, specifically regarding reinforcement learning and post-training developments. Additionally, the broader industry continues to track how ongoing executive departures impact leadership stability at OpenAI amid its IPO preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role will Barret Zoph hold at Google?
Barret Zoph is serving as vice president of research at Google, focusing on post-training and reinforcement learning for the Gemini platform.
What occurred during Zoph’s time at Thinking Machines?
Zoph co-founded Thinking Machines in October 2024 with Mira Murati. He departed the company in January alongside co-founder Luke Metz, and it was subsequently disclosed that Zoph had been fired.
What was Zoph’s most recent position at OpenAI?
During his five-month return to OpenAI beginning in January, Zoph was tasked with leading the company’s AI enterprise sales before departing in June.
Source: TechCrunch