Long-time Android Engineering VP Dave Burke has announced his departure from the role, but he will still remain with Alphabet as he explores “AI/bio” projects within the company. Burke’s decision comes as Google has undergone executive reshuffling and layoffs this year.
Throughout his tenure, Burke has been involved in key projects, such as building Nexus/Pixel phones, developing Chrome for mobile phones, starting Android TV, and spearheading efforts to build and ship developer tools. His expertise and contributions have played a significant role in shaping the Android platform.
In January, Google laid off over 1,000 employees, including most of its AR hardware team. Alongside these layoffs, Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman also left the company. The restructuring continued in April when Google combined its hardware and Android teams to prioritize the integration of AI into all devices. This decision led to Hiroshi Lockheimer, who headed Android, Chrome, and ChromeOS, exploring other roles within the company. Rick Osterloh took over as the SVP of Devices and Services and oversaw the new division. Sameer Samat, who previously worked under Lockheimer, assumed the role of president of Android Ecosystem.
Burke expressed gratitude for his time leading Android engineering in a post on X. He mentioned his involvement in building the largest operating system in the world, as well as his work on Nexus/Pixel devices. While stepping down from his current role, Burke will continue as an advisor within the company as he explores new opportunities in the field of AI and bioengineering.
In a letter published on LinkedIn addressed to his colleagues, Burke revealed his interest in exploring the role of AI in advancing drug discovery. He believes that AI has significant potential to accelerate the process and has expressed a particular interest in its application to hard-to-treat pediatric cancers. Burke is working with Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, to explore relevant roles within the company that align with his passion for AI and its impact on healthcare.
Burke’s expertise and dedication to Android engineering have been instrumental in the platform’s growth and success. As he transitions into new projects within Alphabet, his exploration of AI and bioengineering will likely contribute to advancements in these fields. His departure from the Android Engineering VP role marks a new chapter in his career, one that holds promise for innovative developments in AI and its applications in healthcare and beyond.
