New Leadership for Gemini App: Entering ‘Chapter 2’ with Josh Woodward at the Helm

Executive Change at the Helm of Gemini App

Google Replaces Gemini App Leader, Entering 'Chapter 2'

• Sissie Hsiao, the current Vice President and General Manager of the Gemini app and Speech, is stepping down from her role. She has been with Google since 2006, contributing to various projects including Search, Docs, Analytics, Advertising, Google Assistant, and most recently, the Gemini app.
• In a memo, Hsiao described her tenure as 'chapter 1' of the Bard story and is handing over leadership to Josh Woodward for 'chapter 2.' Hsiao will take a short break before returning to Google in a new role.

Organizational Changes and Future Directions

• In October 2024, the Gemini app was moved from the Knowledge & Information division to Google DeepMind. This move aims to improve feedback loops, enable faster deployment of new models, and enhance product momentum.
• Josh Woodward, who will take over Hsiao's role, also retains his position as VP of Google Labs, overseeing projects like NotebookLM and Project Mariner. The Project Astra team was recently transferred from DeepMind’s research arm to the Gemini app division to accelerate development.
• Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, believes that Woodward's leadership will help capitalize on the company’s research capabilities by developing user-friendly products around sophisticated models.