The Thinking Machines co-founder returns to Google to work on Gemini reinforcement learning and post-training.

Barret Zoph has joined Google as vice president of research, returning to the company where he previously worked. Zoph spent only five months at OpenAI after leaving the AI startup Thinking Machines, which he co-founded with Mira Murati in late 2024.

Zoph originally left OpenAI in October 2024 to co-found Thinking Machines with Mira Murati, OpenAI’s former CTO. Zoph then rejoined OpenAI in January, but his second stint lasted only five months before he departed in June.

Zoph brings reinforcement learning and post-training expertise to Google’s Gemini models, a focus that matters for developers building on those systems. His move also reflects the churn in AI leadership that can affect product roadmaps and enterprise purchasing decisions.

Watch how Zoph’s return affects Gemini development and whether his hiring signals a broader reshuffle in AI research leadership. OpenAI continues to lose senior staff, and the move gives Google a veteran researcher for its Gemini efforts while OpenAI works to stabilize its ranks.

What matters

• Barret Zoph left OpenAI after five months to become vice president of research at Google.
• His move signals heavy turnover in AI leadership and shifting priorities at top labs.
• Watch whether Zoph accelerates Gemini improvements in reinforcement learning and post-training.

Why it matters

Watch whether Zoph accelerates Gemini improvements in reinforcement learning and post-training.

This GenAI News article was prepared in original wording using reporting and materials published by TechCrunch AI. Source reference: https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/27/barret-zoph-the-thinking-machines-co-founder-who-defected-to-openai-is-now-at-google/.

Drafted by the GenAI News review pipeline.