Meta has implemented a hiring freeze within its AI division following a restructuring of the unit earlier this week, according to The Wall Street Journal. This freeze comes after the company successfully recruited over 50 AI researchers and engineers from rival firms.
The hiring halt took effect last week, though the duration remains uncertain. Meta is likely still navigating its reorganization, which has divided its AI unit, Meta Superintelligence Labs, into four new groups: TBD Labs, led by former Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang, alongside three additional groups focused on research, product integration, and infrastructure.
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Meta confirmed the hiring freeze to The Journal, describing it as “basic organizational planning” following recent onboarding and annual budgeting exercises.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s aggressive strategy to advance in the AI sector has intensified competition for talent. He has personally reached out to top researchers and engineers with offers reaching nine figures and has acquired startups and their leadership. Analysts have cautioned that rising stock-based compensation costs could pose risks to shareholder returns.
SOURCE: TECH CRUNCH
