Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman Disagrees with Meta's Approach to Hiring AI Engineers

Mustafa Suleyman, the CEO of Microsoft AI, has voiced his concerns regarding Meta's strategy for attracting AI talent. Suleyman specifically called out Meta's practice of offering multi-million dollar signing bonuses to individual AI engineers.

Suleyman believes Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's focus on individual hires, rather than fostering team environments, is not the optimal approach. Speaking on Bloomberg Podcasts, Suleyman referenced reports of Meta offering signing bonuses as high as $100 million, with some AI researchers allegedly receiving up to $250 million.

Suleyman indicated that Microsoft AI will not be competing with such high offers. Instead, Microsoft intends to prioritize selective hiring practices, cultivating a strong team culture, and focusing on gradual growth.

While reports have circulated about Meta 'poaching' engineers and AI researchers with lucrative deals, Suleyman clarified that Microsoft operates without 'no poach' agreements, emphasizing the freedom of individuals to choose their employers. Notably, Microsoft hired Suleyman himself from Google DeepMind.

A Fortune report in October highlighted Zuckerberg's preference for candidates with demonstrated mastery of specific skills applicable across various business areas, rather than solely relying on traditional academic credentials. Zuckerberg values candidates who exhibit deep expertise and the ability to learn and excel in new areas.