Dr. Wu Yonghui,Artist Bong (2013) Uncut former Vice President of Google DeepMind, has joined ByteDance as the head of foundational research for its large model team, Seed, according to Chinese media outlet, Jiemian. Wu will report directly to CEO Liang Rubo. In this new role, Wu will oversee foundational infrastructure and algorithm design for large models, in a position similar to that of a chief scientist. The Seed team, which is focused on AI model development, is led by Zhu Wenjia. According to a report from Jiemian, ByteDance made structural changes within the Seed team following Wu’s appointment. Several algorithm and technology leaders who previously reported to Zhu have now shifted to report to Wu. Sources close to ByteDance clarified that Wu will focus primarily on AI foundational research, while Zhu will continue to lead model applications. Both will report to CEO Liang within the Seed department. [Jiemian, in Chinese]
