Google Gemini Executive Sissie Hsiao Steps Down, Replaced by Josh Woodward

• Sissie Hsiao, who led Google's AI chatbot Gemini, has stepped down, with Josh Woodward taking her place.
• Google shifted the Gemini team to DeepMind last year to streamline its AI research and development.

Google has announced that Sissie Hsiao, the executive leading the development of its AI chatbot Gemini, will step down immediately. Hsiao, previously the vice president and general manager for Google Assistant, played a key role in shaping the AI tool formerly known as Bard.

Josh Woodward, head of Google Labs, will take over her responsibilities while continuing his current role. Woodward previously oversaw the launch of NotebookLM, Google's AI-driven tool that converts text into a podcast-like format.

A Google spokesperson confirmed that Hsiao plans to take a short break before returning to the company in a different position. Semafor first reported news, citing a memo from Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, who stated the leadership change aims to strengthen the development of Gemini.

Last year, Google moved its Gemini team to DeepMind to streamline AI research efforts. This shift was part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance its competitive standing in the generative AI market.

Woodward’s appointment signals Google’s continued focus on AI advancements as the company refines its Gemini app under DeepMind’s leadership.

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah