Google AI lead steps down as part of unit reshuffle

According to The Information, the lead of Google's AI and Search Units, John Giannandrea, will be stepping down following a two year stint as part of an internal business reshuffle.

Giannandrea will be replaced by two new executives, with Jeff Dean, the Cofounder of Google Brain heading up the firm's AI unit, whilst Ben Gomes, an 18 year-long veteran of the company, will be taking over its Search unit, with Giannandrea's role set to be split.

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The shuffle will see Google's AI efforts becoming a separate division within itself, part of the company's focus of ramping up its technological advancements. 

This has also recently been reflected in the launch of the Google Brain team and its acquisition of DeepMind in 2014.

According to The Information, the reshuffle will be reflected in a company wide push to improve its search unit, sell more hardware devices and further bolster and diversify its fast-growing cloud-based AI service offerings.