Overview

• Google CEO Sundar Pichai told investors that both retention metrics and new AI hires remain healthy despite competitors’ recruitment drives.
• Meta’s Superintelligence Lab has courted top researchers with multiyear offers and nine-figure sign-on packages exceeding $200 million.
• DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis called Meta’s aggressive poaching a rational strategy given its current position behind leading AI developers.
• Leading firms are deploying retention bonuses, companywide pay reviews and UK noncompete clauses of up to 12 months to secure critical AI talent.
• Analysts warn the compensation arms race is driving up AI R&D costs and intensifying strategic rivalry among Silicon Valley giants.