Google’s AI Executive: The Man Behind the Search Giant’s AI Strategy
However, Google‘s dominance in the tech industry was at risk of being threatened until it promoted Josh Woodward, a 42-year-old Oklahoma native, to run the Gemini app, the centerpiece of the search giant’s artificial intelligence strategy.
Woodward, who started at Google by way of a product management internship in 2009, has spent the past eight months leading the Gemini app, which has surpassed 5 billion images and dethroned OpenAI’s ChatGPT at the top of Apple’s App Store.
Moreover, Woodward’s work is more critical than ever as Google rushes to keep pace with its high-powered AI rivals, namely OpenAI, which kickstarted the generative AI boom with the launch of ChatGPT just over three years ago.
The Pressure is On
However, Woodward faces the challenge of not only leading two units within Google but also finding a balance between moving fast to compete with AI rivals OpenAI and Anthropic and not moving so fast that the search company’s AI products enable potential harm.
Therefore, Woodward discussed the theme in a podcast with partners from venture firm Sequoia in March, shortly before taking over the Gemini app, highlighting the importance of amplifying human creativity while avoiding potential harm.
Meanwhile, the Nano Banana Pro, released in November, is so advanced that its creations blur the lines between images that are clearly AI generated and those that are real.
A Leader in the Making
However, Woodward’s ability to move fast, break down barriers and execute “has landed him right at the center of the most important work at Google,” according to Clay Bavor, former co-lead of Google Labs.
Moreover, Woodward’s disarming, goofy laugh and friendliness stemming from his Midwestern upbringing have earned him a reputation as a leader who is approachable and collaborative.
Consequently, his team’s first breakout product was known as Project Tailwind, an AI notebook that senior product manager Raiza Martin thought up in her 20% time, Google’s longstanding practice of letting employees dedicate one day a week to a project of personal interest.
A Bright Future Ahead
However, Woodward’s excitement about the future of AI is palpable, as he told CNBC’s Deirdre Bosa in an interview soon after the release of Gemini 3, “I’ve never had more fun than right now.”
Therefore, with his leadership and vision, Google is well-positioned to stay ahead of the competition and continue to shape the future of AI.
Source: Link
