Google was at risk of losing its dominance — until it promoted this AI executive

In the heart of Google's ambitious AI journey stands Josh Woodward, a name that resonates within the tech giant but remains lesser-known outside its walls. This 42-year-old Oklahoman, who began his career at Google through a product management internship in 2009, has recently been at the helm of the Gemini app, which is pivotal to the company's AI strategy. As Google navigates the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence ahead of 2026, Woodward's leadership is increasingly crucial. With competitors like OpenAI, which ignited the generative AI revolution with ChatGPT, Google is striving to retain its users as they shift from traditional search to AI-integrated applications. Woodward's dual role as the leader of the Gemini app and head of Google Labs—responsible for experimental AI initiatives—positions him at the forefront of this battle. Industry experts note that Woodward’s rapid execution and ability to dismantle barriers have placed him in the center of Google's most significant projects. Colleagues have highlighted his commitment to addressing societal concerns surrounding AI and the company's evolving role in shaping the future. In April, when Woodward took over the Gemini app, Google's standing in the AI sector faced challenges, with Alphabet shares experiencing an 18% drop in the first quarter—the worst decline since 2022. A watershed moment for Woodward's team arrived in late August with the debut of Nano Banana, an innovative Gemini feature allowing users to merge photos into unique digital creations. The sudden popularity of Nano Banana overwhelmed Google’s infrastructure, necessitating temporary usage limits. Amin Vahdat, head of AI infrastructure, humorously remarked that their tensor processing units (TPUs) were nearly overwhelmed by the demand. By September, the Gemini app had surpassed 5 billion images shared and even overtook ChatGPT as the top app in the Apple App Store. This success came on the heels of Alphabet’s significant investment in AI infrastructure, with an anticipated capital expenditure between $91 billion and $93 billion for the year, up from earlier estimates of $85 billion. Following a challenging start to the year, Alphabet's stock rebounded, climbing 62% in 2023, outperforming its major competitors. Excitement surged within the tech community when Google announced the introduction of Gemini 3, with Woodward expressing his enthusiasm for the pace and capabilities of the models developed under his leadership. His colleagues, including Clay Bavor, praised Woodward for being one of the first to recognize the potential of large language models for product innovation. However, the stakes are high. Woodward must navigate the tension between rapid innovation and the ethical implications of AI, especially as AI-generated content increasingly permeates everyday life. He has openly discussed the responsibility of amplifying human creativity while recognizing the transformative effects of technology. Despite the intensity of his role, Woodward's approachable demeanor and sense of humor stand out. Colleagues describe him as friendly and down-to-earth, a leader who prefers collaboration over confrontation. Since joining Google Labs, he has spearheaded initiatives such as NotebookLM, a product designed to enhance user interaction with documents, showcasing his knack for innovation and user-centered design. As Google looks forward to 2026, expectations for Woodward and the Gemini app are high. The momentum within the company appears strong, with CEO Sundar Pichai noting the impressive pace of product releases across the board. The tech world awaits to see how Woodward and his team will continue to shape the future of AI at Google.