Meta Lures AI Researcher from Rival with Record-Breaking $200M Deal in Tech Talent War
Meta Lures Top AI Expert from Apple with $200M Deal in AI Race
In the fierce battle for AI dominance, Meta has secured a major win by poaching Ruoming Pang, a leading AI expert, from Apple with a staggering $200 million compensation package. The offer, spanning several years, ranks among the highest corporate payouts globally—surpassing even CEO salaries at major banks.
Who Is Ruoming Pang?
Pang, a Chinese-born computer scientist, holds degrees from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the University of Southern California, and Princeton University. After 15 years at Google as a principal software engineer, he joined Apple in 2021 to lead their AI model team. Now, he’ll join Meta’s new “Superintelligence Lab,” a secretive California-based division focused on developing AI systems surpassing human capabilities.
The Mega-Deal
Bloomberg reports Pang’s compensation includes salary, stock options, and performance-based incentives. Much of the $200 million hinges on hitting targets and staying loyal to Meta. Apple reportedly didn’t counteroffer, despite Pang’s pivotal role. Analysts note such packages highlight tech giants’ desperation to attract top AI talent.
Meta’s Superintelligence Lab
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently restructured AI efforts under this new division, aiming to outpace rivals like OpenAI and Google. The lab is already staffed with ex-OpenAI researchers, GitHub’s former CEO Nat Friedman, and ex-Google AI experts. Their goal: create error-free AI systems capable of outperforming humans in complex tasks.
AI Arms Race Heats Up
Meta is aggressively expanding its AI capabilities. The firm recently launched a Meta AI chatbot button on WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. The tool answers questions, generates recipes, summarizes text, and even tutors users. While optional, the feature can’t be removed from WhatsApp, sparking mixed reactions.
Privacy and Progress
Meta assures users that chat histories with its AI can be deleted, though critics question data usage. Social media consultant Rhea Freeman argues Meta already collects vast user data, so the AI adds little new risk. “AI is learning all the time,” she notes, urging cautious but optimistic adoption.
What’s Next?
With Pang’s hire, Meta signals its commitment to leading the AI revolution. As tech giants pour billions into smarter systems, the race could redefine industries—and humanity’s relationship with technology. For now, Meta’s $200 million bet on Pang underscores how high the stakes have become.
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