GoKawiilBarret Zoph departs Thinking Machines Lab for VP of Research role at Google
GoKawiil Brief
Barret Zoph, a co-founder of Thinking Machines Lab, has left the startup to join Google as a vice president of research. Zoph had previously spent time at OpenAI before helping start Thinking Machines Lab.
Why It Matters
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The move highlights the intense competition among major AI labs for top research talent, even as Google itself has recently seen several prominent researchers depart for rivals. Zoph's hire suggests Google is working to shore up its research leadership amid this ongoing talent churn across the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Barret Zoph is leaving Thinking Machines Lab, a company he co-founded.
- He will take on a vice president of research position at Google.
- The hire comes as Google has recently lost multiple high-profile researchers to competitors.
Source: wsj.com, 2026-08-27
Published there as: “Thinking Machines Lab Co-Founder Barret Zoph Joins Google”
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