Google is reportedly planning a significant reorganization of its ad sales team, which could potentially result in the layoff of a large number of employees. Sean Downey, head of ad sales for major accounts in the U.S., mentioned the reorganization but didn't specify any job cuts. This move appears to be influenced by Google's increasing focus on AI advancements, as seen in projects like Gemini and Google Bard.
The restructuring is expected to heavily impact the ad sales division, as Google has been integrating AI to enhance operational efficiency. Earlier in May, Google announced AI-powered ads capable of creating campaign elements by scanning websites and generating keywords, headlines, and other assets, indicating a shift towards automation in ad operations.
The incorporation of AI, especially in customer care services, could lead to a reduction in human-centered jobs. The report suggests that Google aims to streamline its workforce, which might include layoffs or reassignments within the sales division handling major advertisers.
This potential reduction in workforce comes after Google's earlier layoff of 12,000 employees at the start of 2023. Google CEO Sundar Pichai commented on these layoffs, acknowledging the challenges and the need for action to prevent more adverse outcomes in the future.
As Google continues to embrace AI and automation, these changes reflect a broader industry trend towards leveraging technology for efficiency, which could significantly impact the job market, especially in tech and related sectors.