Andrew Tulloch, a top Meta AI researcher who was reportedly offered a $1.5 billion compensation package, is departing the company after the launch of Meta's new open-source AI models and Muse assistant. His exit highlights the intense talent competition in the AI industry, where elite researchers regularly move between major labs or start their own ventures.

• Tulloch delayed his departure until Meta successfully launched its new AI family and Muse assistant, suggesting he stayed to see a specific project through completion.
• He was recruited personally by Mark Zuckerberg with a reported $1.5 billion six-year package, which would make him the highest-paid tech employee ever if accurate.
• Top AI researchers are in extreme demand and can command massive salaries or venture funding to start companies, creating a revolving door of talent between OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta, and other labs.