Microsoft’s consumer AI division continues its global expansion with the announcement of a dynamic new hub in London. Spearheading this initiative is none other than Jordan Hoffmann, a distinguished AI scientist and engineer recently recruited from the prestigious AI startup, Inflection AI, in which Microsoft made a strategic investment just last year.
This development comes on the heels of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s unveiling of the consumer AI division, led by the luminaries of Inflection AI, including Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind, acquired by Google in 2014.
It was previously hinted that key members of the Inflection team would transition to Microsoft’s AI unit, and now, Hoffmann’s pivotal role confirms this strategic move. Hoffmann, formerly with DeepMind before his tenure at Inflection AI, brings a wealth of expertise to his new position.
In a statement today, Suleyman lauds Hoffmann as an “exceptional AI scientist and engineer.” With Suleyman reporting directly to Nadella in the U.S., Hoffmann is entrusted with leading the charge at the London hub.
The expansion will see Microsoft bolstering its ranks with fresh AI talent. Job postings for the Paddington office are imminent, as the team gears up to innovate in language models and related infrastructure and tools.
This announcement dovetails with Microsoft’s recent collaboration with the U.K. Government, wherein the tech giant pledged a substantial investment of £2.5 billion ($3.15 billion) over the next three years. This initiative aims to expand datacenter capabilities and upskill over a million individuals for the burgeoning AI economy.
London’s AI landscape heats up as Microsoft’s Jordan Hoffmann spearheads innovation, setting the stage for a talent showdown with DeepMind
As the U.K. solidifies its position as a leading AI research and development hub, the stage is set for a captivating talent rivalry between industry giants. With DeepMind and Microsoft vying for top talent in London, the race for AI supremacy promises to intensify, propelling innovation to new heights.
