Long-time Android Engineering VP Dave Burke said today that he is stepping down from the role. Burke, who spent 14 years building Android, is not leaving Alphabet and is exploring “AI/bio” projects within the company.
Burke was involved in pivotal projects, including building Nexus/Pixel phones, developing Chrome for mobile phones, starting Android TV, and spearheading efforts to build and ship developer tools.
His move comes as Google has been reshuffling executives amid layoffs this year. In January, the company laid off more than 1,000 employees, including most of its AR hardware team. Along with this, Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman also left the company.
In April, Google combined hardware and Android teams to focus on bringing AI to all devices. The decision saw Hiroshi Lockheimer, who headed Android, Chrome, and ChromeOS, exploring other roles in the company with SVP of Devices and Services Rick Osterloh overseeing the new division. Sameer Samat, who worked under Lockheimer, became the president of Android Ecosystem.
In a post on X, Burke said that he would continue as an advisor as he looks for another project.
“So… after 14 yrs leading Android engineering, I’ve decided it’s time for a change. An awe-inspiring ride helping build the biggest OS on the planet (+ many Nexus/Pixel). I’m forever grateful for the opp. Continuing as an advisor while figuring out what’s next in AI/bio,” he said.
Burke also sent a letter to his colleagues, which was published on LinkedIn, and said he wanted to explore the role of AI in boosting drug discovery.
“AI has the potential to play a pivotal role in accelerating drug discovery, with wide applicability, including in hard-to-treat pediatric cancers, a topic close to my heart. I’m working with Sundar to explore relevant roles at Alphabet,” he said.