Meta's Head of AI Research to Step Down

MENLO PARK, Calif. (AP) — Joelle Pineau, the head of Meta's artificial intelligence research division, has announced her plans to step down from her position. This decision comes at a time when competition in the development of AI technology is becoming increasingly fierce. Pineau has been with the company for eight years and will vacate her high-profile role at the end of May.

In a recent social media post, Pineau expressed her thoughts on the matter, stating, "Today, as the world undergoes significant change, as the race for AI accelerates, and as Meta prepares for its next chapter, it is time to create space for others to pursue the work." This highlights her recognition of the evolving landscape in AI and the need for new perspectives.

Meta, the parent company of platforms like Facebook and Instagram, has yet to respond to inquiries regarding Pineau's departure and has not announced a successor for her role.

Pineau is based in Montreal, where she is also a professor of computer science at McGill University. Throughout her tenure at Meta, she has been a prominent advocate for the company's “open-source” approach to AI. This has included the development of its key large language model named Llama, where foundational elements are made available to the public for use and modification.

Her announcement comes shortly before the launch of a new AI conference called LlamaCon, which is scheduled for April 29. Pineau originally took the reins of Meta's AI research division in 2023, succeeding a group that was established a decade earlier by notable figures such as pioneering AI researcher Yann LeCun. Although LeCun stepped down as director of the group in 2018, he continues to serve as Meta's chief AI scientist.

Meta, AI, Leadership