Microsoft has expanded its artificial intelligence team by recruiting three prominent researchers from Google DeepMind, marking another significant talent acquisition in the competitive AI sector. The tech giant announced that Zalán Borsos, Marco Tagliasacchi, and Matthias Minderer will establish a new Microsoft AI office in Zurich, Switzerland.
Borsos and Tagliasacchi, who specialize in AI audio technology, were previously instrumental in developing Google’s Audio Overviews feature for its NotebookLM AI tool. Minderer brings expertise in computer vision to Microsoft’s growing AI initiatives, which include the development of consumer-facing products like the Copilot chatbot and its audio news summary feature.
In other industry movements, pet care platform Rover has appointed Mike Fridgen as its new chief operating officer. Fridgen transitions from his role as managing director at Madrona Venture Labs, where he served for over nine years. While stepping into his new position at Rover, he maintains a connection with Madrona as a part-time venture partner. His previous experience includes leadership roles at Decide, where he served as president and CEO until the company’s acquisition by eBay in 2013.
Seattle-based sales automation company Outreach is experiencing leadership changes as Chief Financial Officer Melissa Fisher announces her departure to explore new opportunities. The announcement follows recent organizational changes at Outreach, including a November workforce reduction affecting 9% of employees and the January appointments of Nadia Rashid as Chief Revenue Officer and Holly Simmons as Chief Marketing Officer.
Former Microsoft executive Naseem Tuffaha has taken on the role of chief business officer at Pearson, the London-based education company. Tuffaha, who will be based in Seattle, expressed enthusiasm about joining Pearson’s mission to transform learning through AI
integration. He previously served as vice president of worldwide modern work solutions sales at Microsoft before a stint at The Trade Desk.
In retail sector news, Costco’s Richard Galanti has concluded his long-term service with the company, retiring from both his executive vice president position and board membership. Galanti’s tenure included serving as chief financial officer from October 1993 until March 2024.
TiE Seattle, the local chapter of a global entrepreneurship support organization, has strengthened its board with two new appointments. Brianna McDonald, a charter member with extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurial services, joins alongside Suresh Kotha, a veteran professor from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business who also directs research at the Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship.
The youth-focused organization Starfire Sports has welcomed Rhonda Lewis to its board of directors. Lewis, who serves as chief of staff for King County Council District 2, brings extensive public service experience to the organization, which has expanded from its soccer program roots to include STEM education initiatives since 2019.
In the climate technology sector, Ross Kenyon, who previously co-founded the carbon removal startup Nori, has taken on an advisory role with Acadia, a platform focused on carbon emissions compliance. Based in Seattle, Kenyon is now providing mentorship and support to multiple climate-related ventures across the United States.