Meta AI Head to Depart: Key Researcher Leaving

Joelle Pineau to Depart Meta's AI Research Division

Joelle Pineau, Vice President of AI Research at Meta, has revealed her intention to leave the company. The announcement was made via a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Pineau will be departing in May, concluding a tenure of over two years as the head of FAIR – Meta’s foundational AI research laboratory, which operates under the direction of Yann LeCun.

Meta's Expanding AI Investments

This departure occurs as Meta significantly increases its investment in AI initiatives. The company has allocated a substantial $65 billion for AI infrastructure development in 2025.

A Meta spokesperson confirmed to Bloomberg News that a search is underway to identify Pineau’s replacement, though no immediate successor has been named.

Organizational Changes within Meta's AI Structure

Recent organizational restructuring at Meta saw the AI research unit placed under the leadership of Chris Cox, the company’s Chief Product Officer. This change took effect last year.

Pineau's Future Plans

Pineau indicated she intends to take a period of leave before embarking on a “new adventure,” the specifics of which remain undisclosed.

She expressed gratitude for her time at Meta and the opportunities afforded to her within the AI research field.