Apple exec who left the company due to in-person work policy now returning to Google

Earlier this month, Apple’s director of machine learning, Ian Goodfellow, left the company due to his disagreement with the in-person work policy. It appears that Goodfellow will be returning to Google where he previously worked before joining Apple.

Bloomberg has heard from sources familiar with the matter that Goodfellow has agreed to accept a position at DeepMind, Google’s division focused on artificial intelligence. However, the company is yet to confirm the hiring. However, this is not the first time Goodfellow has worked with Google.

Before being hired by Apple in 2019, the engineer worked for Google, where he was responsible for machine learning and artificial intelligence projects. He was known for being “the father of general adversarial networks, or GANs,” which is a technology used to generate media content – including “deepfakes.”

After three years working in Cupertino, Goodfellow decided to leave Apple. Goodfellow stated that he believes “more flexibility” would be the best policy for his team. This was in reference to Apple’s strict policies against telecommuting.

A few Apple employees started returning to in-person work last month, and all employees would have to return to the office three times a week starting on May 23. However, a group of employees have criticized the company for not being flexible when it comes to working remotely. Google allows employees to explore flexible options for work.

Last year, multiple Apple executives also left the company due to the Apple’s back-to-the-office policy.

Apple postpones in-person work requirements

Although Apple originally planned to have employees return to work within days of their departure, it was forced to delay the request once more. However, the decision is more related to the growing number of COVID-19 cases than the demands of the employees.

Employees must still return to work in person, but for only two days each week. In addition, Apple will again require everyone to wear face masks in common areas.

Unfortunately, if Apple doesn’t change its mind when it comes to working remotely, it will probably lose some other talent – especially when other Silicon Valley companies are much more flexible in this aspect.