Meta has hired Ruoming Pang, a leading figure from Apple’s AI team, in a deal valued at over $200 million. The offer includes salary, bonuses, and stock options. It reflects the growing intensity in the global race for AI talent.
The Details Behind the Mega Deal
Sources say most of Pang’s package is tied to Meta stock. These stock options depend on performance goals like share price growth. The contract spans several years, with longer vesting periods than usual. This structure keeps top talent loyal over time.
Meta’s move follows a growing trend in tech. OpenAI’s Sam Altman recently mentioned that some companies now offer $100 million just as signing bonuses. Meta has raised the stakes even further.
A Powerful Team at Superintelligence Labs
Pang is not the only big name at Meta’s AI unit. He joins GitHub’s Nat Friedman, Scale AI’s Alexandr Wang, and AI entrepreneur Daniel Gross. Together, they form a powerhouse team aimed at building advanced AI systems.
Apple Holds Back, Pang Moves On
Apple declined to match Meta’s record-breaking offer. The company limits executive compensation—even Tim Cook earns less than the total Pang was offered. After Pang’s departure, leadership of Apple’s AI efforts passed to Zhifeng Chen. He works with senior managers like Chong Wang and Guoli Yin to guide the project.
What This Means for the AI Industry
This hiring signals how serious Meta is about leading in AI. It also puts pressure on rivals like Apple to rethink how they retain talent. If massive compensation becomes common, companies may struggle to compete.
In this fierce race, the value of top AI minds is clearer than ever. The battle for innovation is no longer just about products—it’s about the people behind them.
