HomeWinBuzzer NewsBaidu Hires Former Microsoft Executive and AI Expert Qi Lu as COO

Baidu Hires Former Microsoft Executive and AI Expert Qi Lu as COO

Qi Lu will be in charge of products, technology, sales, marketing, and operations for Chinese web services company Baidu. His hire is expected to drive the company's expertise in AI and bring it one step closer to becoming a global leader in that field.

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Chinese search engine company has managed to hire nine-year employee Qi Lu as its Chief Operating Officer. Lu left the Redmond giant in September following health issues caused by a biking accident. The hire is a big change, but Lu's leading work on Bing and Yahoo should be an asset to the Chinese web services firm.

“Dr. Lu possesses a wealth of leadership and management experience, and is a leading authority in the area of artificial intelligence,” said Baidu co-founder Robin Li. “I am confident that Dr. Lu will make major contributions to the overall strength of our management and technology.”

“To achieve our goals, especially in artificial intelligence, which is a key strategic focus for the next decade, we will need to continue attracting the best global talent. With Dr. Lu on board, we are confident that our strategy will be executed smoothly and Baidu will become a world-class technology company and global leader in AI.”

Lu will be acting as COO and group president, in charge of products, technology, sales, marketing, and operations. According to a Baidu press release, the former Microsoft exec will take up his new position immediately.

“I am delighted to join Baidu,” said Lu of the hire. “Baidu is well known as one of China's top technology companies, and is already recognized on the global stage as a leader in AI. I am excited to help realize Baidu's visionary AI strategy. To be part of Baidu's evolution into a world-class technology company for the AI-era is a tremendous opportunity. Under Robin's leadership, I look forward to working with the entire Baidu team to create a true global technology leader.”

Key Microsoft Advisor

Despite Lu's health issues, he was working as a personal advisor to Microsoft's Bill Gates and CEO Satya Nadella. This new hire will come as a blow to the company, then. Lu drove advancements in some of the Redmond giant's biggest products, including Bing, Skype and .

Qi Lu previously held a huge a role in Yahoo, but was planning to leave for China even then. However, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer hired him personally. His experience and contacts were key in forming a partnership between Bing and Yahoo.

It shouldn't be too much of a surprise, then, to see Lu heading back to his home country. He has taken on no small role, and his expertise will be instrumental if Baidu is to become a leader in AI.

SourceBloomberg
Ryan Maskell
Ryan Maskellhttps://ryanmaskell.co.uk
Ryan has had a passion for gaming and technology since early childhood. Fusing the skills from his Creative Writing and Publishing degree with profound technical knowledge, he enjoys covering news about Microsoft. As an avid writer, he is also working on his debut novel.

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