Amar Subramanya Joins Microsoft as Corporate Vice President of AI
A New Chapter in AI Leadership
Amar Subramanya, previously the technical head of Google’s Gemini chatbot, has transitioned to Microsoft, assuming the role of corporate vice president of AI. This move, announced on Wednesday, reflects Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to artificial intelligence advancements.
Emphasizing a Low Ego Culture
In his inaugural LinkedIn post, Subramanya praised Microsoft for its “low ego” work culture, highlighting how this environment fosters ambition among both the company and its employees.
Feeling Energized in His New Role
“Just one week into my new role, I’m already feeling deeply energized,” Subramanya remarked. He noted that the culture at Microsoft is refreshingly collaborative yet ambitious.
A Google Veteran with Deep Experience
With 16 years at Google under his belt, including a stint as vice president of engineering, Subramanya boasts extensive experience in AI and development. He played a key role in shaping the Gemini assistant.
Collaborative Innovation at Microsoft
Subramanya described Microsoft’s AI culture as fast-paced and focused, centered on developing innovative foundation models for AI products like Microsoft Copilot.
Start-Up Vibes at a Tech Giant
He mentioned, “It reminds me of the best parts of a startup: fast-moving, collaborative, and deeply focused on building truly innovative, state-of-the-art foundation models.” This comparison underscores his excitement and the invigorating atmosphere he perceives at Microsoft.
Inspirational Leadership
In his conversations with notable leaders like Mustafa Suleyman and Satya Nadella, Subramanya found their shared commitment to reimagining daily interactions with technology to be particularly inspiring.
Strategic Hiring Initiatives
Microsoft has been actively recruiting AI researchers, developers, and product specialists from Google DeepMind over the last six months. This has enabled the company to expand its AI capabilities significantly.
Notable Additions to Microsoft’s AI Team
In March, Microsoft appointed Mustafa Suleyman, a co-founder of Google’s DeepMind, as the head of its consumer AI business. His leadership has attracted numerous talents to the Microsoft AI division.
- Sonal Gupta, former engineering lead at Google DeepMind, has joined Suleyman’s team as a technical staff member.
- Adam Sadovsky, previously a software engineer and senior director at DeepMind with nearly 18 years at Google, now serves as a corporate VP at Microsoft AI.
- Jonas Rothfuss, a former research scientist at Google DeepMind, joined Microsoft AI’s technical staff in May.
A Shift in Microsoft’s Vision
According to Chief Executive Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s strategy is evolving. The goal is not just to be a software company, as envisioned by founder Bill Gates, but to function as “an intelligence engine” suited for the new era of technology.
Empowering Innovation Beyond Software
Nadella stated that the company is shifting focus from merely building tools to empowering users to create their own solutions. This evolution positions Microsoft as an intelligence platform capable of meeting diverse needs.
Conclusion
As Amar Subramanya embarks on this new journey at Microsoft, his insights into company culture and vision signal exciting developments in the realm of AI. With a team of skilled professionals joining his ranks, the future looks promising for Microsoft’s AI initiatives.
Q&A
1. What position did Amar Subramanya hold before joining Microsoft?
He was the technical head of Google’s Gemini chatbot.
2. How does Subramanya describe Microsoft’s work culture?
He describes it as “low ego” and filled with ambition.
3. What notable leaders did Subramanya find inspiring at Microsoft?
He found Mustafa Suleyman and Satya Nadella to be particularly inspiring.
4. Which company has Microsoft been actively hiring from for its AI division?
Microsoft has been hiring from Google DeepMind.
5. What shift in strategy did Satya Nadella mention in relation to Microsoft’s future?
Nadella mentioned that Microsoft is evolving from being a software provider to an intelligence platform.
