Google reshapes AI and Search teams

Google today announced significant organizational changes to its Gemini and Knowledge & Information teams, aiming to streamline operations and accelerate progress in artificial intelligence (AI) and search technologies. The restructuring, revealed by CEO Sundar Pichai on October 17, 2024, marks a strategic shift in how the tech giant approaches AI development and integration across its products.

The reorganization involves several key moves:

1. Gemini App Team Integration: The team responsible for the Gemini app, led by Sissie, will now be part of Google DeepMind under Demis Hassabis. This change aims to improve feedback loops and enable faster deployment of new Gemini models.
2. Assistant Teams Relocation: Teams focused on Assistant for devices and home experiences will move to the Platforms & Devices division. This shift is designed to bring AI-powered home initiatives under one roof and improve user experiences.
3. Leadership Transition in Knowledge & Information: Prabhakar Raghavan, after 12 years leading various teams at Google, will transition to the role of Chief Technologist. Nick Fox, a longtime Google executive, will take over leadership of the Knowledge & Information division.

The restructuring reflects Google's commitment to advancing its AI capabilities and integrating them more seamlessly across its product lineup. By bringing the Gemini app team closer to the DeepMind research division, Google aims to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge AI models.

Nick Fox's new role

Nick Fox, who has been instrumental in shaping Google's AI product roadmap, will now lead the Knowledge & Information division. His extensive experience across various Google products, including Search, Ads, and Assistant, positions him well to drive innovation in this critical area.

According to Sundar Pichai, "Nick has demonstrated leadership across nearly every facet of K&I, from Product and Design in Search and Assistant, to our Shopping, Travel, and Payments products."

Prabhakar Raghavan's tenure at Google has been marked by significant achievements:

• Launching AI-driven features like Smart Reply and Smart Compose in Gmail
• Introducing AI Overviews in Search, benefiting hundreds of millions of users
• Implementing new search modalities such as Circle to Search and video understanding in Lens
• Transforming Maps and Shopping with AI-powered features like immersive view and virtual try-on

In his new role as Chief Technologist, Raghavan will partner with Pichai and other Google leaders to provide technical direction and foster a culture of technological excellence.

The announcement comes amidst a flurry of AI-related achievements at Google:

• NotebookLM with Audio Overviews gaining viral popularity
• Enhanced information discovery capabilities in Search and Lens
• A revamped Google Shopping experience optimized for the AI era
• Milestone of 600,000 diabetic retinopathy screenings using AI, with plans to expand access in India and Thailand

In a separate development, Google has made a significant change to its Performance Max (PMax) advertising product. According to Mike Ryan, Head of Ecommerce Insights at Smarter Ecommerce, PMax will no longer take priority over Standard Shopping campaigns within Google Ads accounts. This change represents a departure from Google's previous strategy and has been met with surprise and approval from many in the digital advertising community.

The restructuring and product updates at the same time have generated mixed reactions from industry experts:

• Terry Whalen suggested the changes might be related to ongoing antitrust scrutiny: "Maybe this has something to do with the anti-trust trial?"
• Anthony Higman speculated on potential leadership influences: "Is it bc Raghavan is out!?!?!"
• Dave Rekuc expressed enthusiasm: "LETS GO"

Key Facts:

• Announcement Date: October 17, 2024
• Gemini App Team: Moved to Google DeepMind
• New K&I Leader: Nick Fox
• Prabhakar Raghavan's New Role: Chief Technologist
• PMax Update: No longer prioritized over Standard Shopping campaigns