Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has brought in high-priced artificial intelligence talent, including 28-year-old billionaire Alexandr Wang, but it’s causing friction inside the company. The new hires are clashing with veteran researchers over fundamental approaches to AI development and technology secrecy.
Wang, who acquired Scale AI for $14 billion, is pushing Meta towards a “closed” approach, keeping its technology secret. This is in contrast to Meta’s previous open-sourcing philosophy, which has disappointed some old guard members. The company invested heavily in Wang’s former company before bringing him on board.
Zuckerberg has backed his new hires with nine-figure compensation packages, igniting a poaching war in Silicon Valley. However, the AI division faces significant reorganization, including potential downsizing and role eliminations.
Notable departures include Joelle Pineau, Angela Fan, and Loredana Crisan, who have joined rival companies or left Meta altogether. The restructuring marks Zuckerberg’s most aggressive gamble yet as Meta tries to stay ahead in the AI revolution.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/08/20/business/mark-zuckerbergs-pricey-new-ai-hires-are-clashing-with-metas-old-guard