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Meta Reorganizes Metaverse Unit, Shifts Executives to AI Division Amid Strategic Shift

Meta is reorganizing its metaverse division, shifting key executives to focus on AI and broader company priorities. In an internal memo, CTO Andrew Bosworth announced that Gabriel Aul, who previously led products for Meta’s virtual worlds and Meta Horizon, will now take the lead of the Metaverse Product Group. Ryan Cairns, who oversaw virtual reality hardware, will continue in his role but will now report directly to Bosworth, with Horizon OS becoming an org-level product group. Bosworth emphasized that the metaverse remains a companywide priority, noting that Meta has already proven its vision to the industry and is now focused on maintaining its lead as competitors enter the space. He highlighted the growing importance of AI and general compute in expanding VR beyond gaming into entertainment, productivity, and social connection. The reorganization aims to improve execution and integration across teams. Vishal Shah, who has led the metaverse effort for the past four years, is transitioning to Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL). In his new role as vice president of AI products within the Products and Applied Research unit, Shah will report to Nat Friedman, a senior leader in MSL. He will focus on integrating personal superintelligence across Meta’s Family of Apps and Reality Labs, building on his experience in both VR and product development. Shah’s move reflects Meta’s increasing focus on AI, especially as the company prepares to scale its superintelligence ambitions. He noted that while the metaverse hype has cooled, the foundational work in hardware, software, and user experience has been substantial. This includes the development of the Horizon engine, photorealistic avatars, and AI-powered world-building tools. The reorganization comes as Meta’s total investment in mixed and virtual reality is expected to exceed $100 billion this year. The company also recently cut 600 jobs in its AI division and risk organization, citing AI-driven automation as a key reason for the reductions. Bosworth and Shah’s messages signal a strategic pivot: while the metaverse is still a core focus, Meta is now aligning its most experienced leaders with its most critical long-term goal—building personal superintelligence. The company continues to bet on the convergence of AI and immersive experiences, with the belief that the two are deeply interconnected.

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