Apple's AI Models Chief Exits for Meta's High-Paying Job Offer

Apple's top AI models executive, Ruoming Pang, is leaving for Meta Platforms. Pang, a distinguished engineer and manager, joined Apple in 2021 and is departing for a package worth tens of millions of dollars per year. This is another setback for Apple's struggling AI efforts and follows Meta's hiring spree, which has included major AI leaders with high compensation.

Apple Inc. is facing another challenge in its AI efforts as Ruoming Pang, a distinguished engineer and manager in charge of the company's Apple foundation models team, is leaving for Meta Platforms Inc. [1]. Pang joined Apple in 2021 and is departing for a package worth tens of millions of dollars per year, according to people with knowledge of the matter. This move is part of Meta's aggressive hiring spree aimed at attracting top talent in the AI sector.

Meta's new superintelligence team, headed by Alexandr Wang, former CEO of data labeling startup Scale AI, is set to benefit from Pang's expertise. Wang was hired by Meta in a deal that valued Scale AI at $29 billion and brought in its 28-year-old CEO [2].

The departure of Pang is a significant setback for Apple, which has been struggling with its AI initiatives. The company has been trying to catch up with tech giants like Meta in the race to lead the next wave of AI. Meta's aggressive hiring strategy, including high compensation packages, has been successful in attracting top talent.

Meta's reorganization of its AI efforts under the new division called Meta Superintelligence Labs reflects its commitment to advancing AI capabilities. The division will be headed by Wang, who is now the chief AI officer of the new initiative [1].

The competitive landscape in the AI sector is intensifying, with tech giants like Apple and Meta vying for top talent. This trend is likely to continue as the importance of AI in driving innovation and competitive advantage grows.

References:
[1] Reuters. (2025, July 2). Apple's top executive in charge of artificial intelligence models, Ruoming Pang, is leaving the company for Meta Platforms. [URL](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/apples-top-ai-executive-ruoming-224044121.html)
[2] Bloomberg Law. (2025, July 2). Apple loses top AI models executive to Meta's hiring spree. [URL](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/artificial-intelligence/apple-loses-top-ai-models-executive-to-metas-hiring-spree-1)