Quite a few of the AI software engineers hired by Google in 2025 were actually ex-employees (www.techradar.com)

In 2025, Google revealed that one in five of its AI hires were "boomerang" employees who returned after previously working at the company, reflecting a growing trend of companies reclaiming former talent. This shift, emphasized by a report from ADP Research, highlights how the tech sector, particularly in AI, is increasingly focused on poaching skilled workers from rivals, with Google actively recruiting from its rivals and leveraging its large pool of laid-off employees. This entry of seasoned talent comes at a crucial time as Google pushes forward with its AI initiatives, such as the recently launched Gemini 3, which now boasts 650 million monthly users. This move is significant for the AI/ML community as it illustrates a competitive landscape driven by the demand for experienced engineers capable of enhancing product innovations in a rapidly evolving field. The competition extends beyond Google, with Apple recently hiring ex-Googler Amar Subramanya as VP of AI, indicating a broader industry trend where top tech firms are strategically acquiring talent to maintain their edge. With Google’s stock soaring 62% this year, the ongoing influx of skilled workers and advancements in AI technologies reaffirms the sector's growth trajectory and the critical importance of human capital in shaping future innovations.