Two months after Gemini deal, Apple hires ex-Google executive to head AI push

Times of India

28 March 2026

Summary

Apple has hired Lilian Rincon from Google to lead its AI product marketing. This move comes as Apple prepares to launch a significantly improved Siri later this year. The new Siri will be rebuilt using technology from Google's Gemini AI model. Apple and Google have entered a multi-year collaboration. This partnership will power future Apple Intelligence features.

Sharing some personal news. After nine incredible years at Google, it’s time for my next chapter.

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with some of the most talented people in the world and to help build products that impact billions. From helping build

Google Assistant

from zero to one to reimagining the future of shopping in the age of AI, it has truly been one of the great privileges of my career.

What I will miss most, though, are the people. I’ve had the honor of working alongside brilliant teammates and leaders who challenged me, inspired me, and made the journey unforgettable.

Leaving is never easy, and I feel a mix of gratitude and bittersweetness as I close this chapter. At the same time, I’m incredibly excited about what comes next.

Why this hire matters for Apple