Meta, Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon are competing for a limited pool of elite artificial intelligence researchers. Compensation packages for top individuals now exceed $10 million in combined salary and bonuses.
Companies are aggressively poaching experts from rivals to secure strategic AI leadership. To fund these high-cost hires, firms are reportedly laying off employees in other divisions.
CEOs are personally intervening in recruitment efforts to drive innovation and long-term strategy. These personnel acquisitions now directly influence company valuations.