What you need to know
- Dave Burke announces that he’s moving away from his role leading Android engineering, but will continue as an advisor.
- Burke is seeking new “AI/bio projects” within Google, although details on his successor have not yet been revealed.
- Burke is one of the latest Android leads to transition away into a new role following the major Platforms & Devices reorg earlier this year.
In a surprise announcement on Wednesday, long-time Android engineering VP Dave Burke revealed that he is stepping away from his role. Burke said in a post on X that “it’s time for a change” after 14 years leading Android engineering and that he’ll continue as an advisor for the time being.
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 advisor while figuring out what’s next in AI/bio. More here:…June 13, 2024
Burke further elaborates on his decision to depart from his role in a lengthy email to his colleagues that he shared via LinkedIn, explaining that he is “exploring AI / bio projects” within Google with the help of CEO Sundar Pichai.Android into what it is today. He’s also a major presence at Google I/O, where he has demonstrated the latest features coming to the platform. “But at the end of the day, what I’m most proud of is the team I helped build as we scaled Android users 3000x from 1 million to over 3 billion.”
Burke’s departure seemingly underscores major changes happening within Google. The company announced in April that it was restructuring and combining its software and hardware divisions into one Platforms & Devices team under the leadership of Rick Osterloh. During the announcement, it was revealed that long-time Android lead Hiroshi Lockheimer was stepping away from his role and moving onto an advisory role during the transition before kickstarting a new executive sponsor role for Google in Japan.
Meanwhile, 9to5Google learned from sources that Burke’s departure may be part of a reorganization of the newly formed Platforms & Devices team. Android Central reached out to Google for a comment on Burke’s departure and the alleged reorganization, but a spokesperson said they had nothing to share.
Meanwhile, Burke’s announcement did not mention who would succeed him, but he said more details would come soon.
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“It’s important for me to leave you in good hands with a well thought out succession plan. We’ll be following up shortly with some additional specifics about this change, so please keep an eye out for that.”
