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Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, has admitted that the company poorly handled a major reorganization of its AI teams. According to reports, in an internal communication to the staff, Bosworth stated that Meta did not adequately explain the changes when it established its Applied AI business earlier this year.
A Wired report reveals the unit, which employs over 6,500 engineers and product managers, was established to work on projects involving the company's generative AI models.
Bosworth explained, “We've undermined the trust you have that your unique expertise and contribution will be valued, that you will grow and advance your career, and that this will be a place where you can actually have an impact.” He further added, “While quick changes in strategy, including the boom/bust cycle of hiring, left entire teams in the lurch, we upended the management structure that was giving you stability.”
He also acknowledged that the business did not adequately convey its plans. “We obviously did an atrocious job explaining the vision, giving people a clear picture of how we would support them and their careers in the shift, and painting a picture of how it would change over time,” Bosworth remarked in response to a criticism of his memo regarding the Applied AI team.
Meta intends to make several adjustments. According to Bosworth, managers will have fewer direct reports, with a goal of about 20 workers per manager. Additionally, throughout reorganizations, the corporation will attempt to minimize the number of times employees are transferred to different management.
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Andrew Bosworth disagreed with the notion that workers would be completely replaced by AI. However, he cautioned staff that AI expertise will become crucial. “We should pay attention to the adage, 'AI won't take your job, but someone who knows AI might.”
Employees who were transferred into the division were informed in a separate internal communication by Maher Saba, VP of Applied AI, that they were free to apply for other Meta posts that piqued their interest.
The episode highlights that successful AI adoption depends not only on technology but also on transparent leadership and employee support.
