Apple AI Leader Ruoming Pang Joins Meta’s Superintelligence Team

Ruoming Pang, Apple’s top executive overseeing its artificial intelligence foundation models, is leaving the tech giant to join Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), according to a Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the matter. Pang, who led Apple’s AI foundation models team, will take a key role in Meta’s newly formed Superintelligence division, reportedly receiving a multi-million-dollar annual compensation package.

The move underscores the fierce competition among tech giants in the AI space, as companies like Meta aggressively recruit elite talent to gain an edge in artificial intelligence development. Neither Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) nor Meta responded to requests for comment from Reuters.

Pang's departure follows Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s recent restructuring of the company’s AI efforts under a new division called Meta Superintelligence Labs. This unit aims to accelerate Meta’s progress in advanced AI systems. It will be led by Alexandr Wang, the former CEO of Scale AI, a data-labeling startup. Wang has been appointed Meta’s Chief AI Officer, marking a significant leadership shift.

Meta’s recruitment of Pang comes shortly after its investment in Scale AI, which valued the startup at $29 billion and brought Wang into Meta’s orbit. The hiring of top-tier talent like Pang and Wang highlights Meta’s determination to lead in next-generation AI, including general and superintelligence initiatives.

As Big Tech ramps up its AI race, multi-billion-dollar investments and high-profile poaching of executives are becoming central strategies. The departure of Pang, a key AI figure at Apple, signals growing pressure on companies to retain top talent while keeping pace with rapidly evolving AI innovation. The rivalry between Meta and Apple now extends deeper into the battle for AI supremacy.