Google has announced significant leadership changes within its artificial intelligence division, moving Demis Hassabis from his role as DeepMind head to the position of chair at the company and chief scientist at Alphabet. Sundar Pichai confirmed the shift on Wednesday, stating that Hassabis will continue to lead Alphabet’s Isomorphic Labs, which focuses on using AI to develop new drugs. Koray Kavukcuoglu, who previously served as DeepMind’s chief technology officer, is now stepping up to become the senior vice president of DeepMind while retaining his title as Google’s chief AI architect. This restructure places Kavukcuoglu in a direct reporting line to Pichai, whereas Hassabis will oversee the broader scientific direction from Alphabet.
The move signals a strategic separation between operational management and high-level research oversight within the sector. By promoting Kavukcuoglu to manage daily operations, Google ensures direct executive accountability for DeepMind’s output. Simultaneously, Hassabis retains influence over long-term scientific goals through his new roles at Isomorphic Labs and Alphabet. These adjustments reflect a standard corporate practice of balancing immediate project delivery with enduring research vision.
* Hassabis remains involved in drug development via Isomorphic Labs.
* Kavukcuoglu holds dual roles as SVP of DeepMind and chief AI architect.
* Both leaders now report directly to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai.
