Google is increasing the pressure on CEO Sundar Pichai. The tech giant has recently come under criticism for failures in its AI products and questions over its leadership. A series of missteps with Google’s AI systems has fueled concerns that the company is losing its edge in AI.

CEO in jeopardy over Google AI

The latest controversy last week was over Google’s artificial intelligence tool known as Gemini. The tool, which creates images in competition with Dall-E, has been suspended. Gemini was banned from creating faces after it caused a huge outcry after producing inappropriate content.

Just a month ago, Google’s AI assistant Bard caused another backlash when it gave incorrect historical information during a demonstration. The setbacks have fueled the debate that Google is lagging behind rivals like OpenAI in developing advanced AI.

Company investors are debating whether it’s time for new leadership for Google. The author of a widely read newsletter argued that Google CEO Sundar Pichai should be replaced directly to spur transformation. Similarly, another analyst argued that the current management is ill-equipped to lead Google into the future.

Insiders said that Google’s focus on search has led to stagnation. This prevents it from rapidly developing and launching new AI products. As Google tries to pick up the pace, long-standing problems are coming to light.

While Pichai has overseen massive growth as a “peacetime” CEO, he is showing that a new direction is needed as competition intensifies. Pichai’s mounting failures raise questions about how Google will return to its once dominant position in AI.