Google's China Expansion: Kaifu Lee Takes Helm as Top Scientist

Strategic Insights -

Kaifu Lee, former vice-president of Microsoft, has assumed the role of top scientist at Google in China, aiming to recruit 50 college graduates in the country. Lee's appointment comes as Google plans to establish a development centre in China, which will work on localizing products and services, as well as cutting-edge technologies for global operations. Google has already set up a representative office in Shanghai and has partnered with advertisement agents, preparing for the launch of its business in China.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kaifu Lee, former vice-president of Microsoft, has taken up the role of top scientist at Google in China, with a focus on recruiting 50 college graduates by the end of the year.
  • Google plans to establish a development centre in China, which will work on localizing products and services, as well as cutting-edge technologies for global operations.
  • The search giant has already set up a representative office in Shanghai and has partnered with advertisement agents, preparing for the formal launch of its business in China.
  • Lee has been authorized to work at Google despite a non-compete agreement with Microsoft, but is barred from working on projects similar to those he worked on at Microsoft.
  • Microsoft Research Asia, founded by Lee in 1998, aims to recruit 100 to 150 graduates this year.
  • Google's development centre in China will be established in Beijing or Shanghai, with a decision to be made soon.

Statistics:

  • 50: Number of college graduates Google aims to recruit in China by the end of the year.
  • 100-150: Number of graduates Microsoft Research Asia aims to recruit this year.
  • 1998: Year Microsoft Research Asia was founded in Beijing by Kaifu Lee.
  • 1 year: Duration of non-compete agreement between Microsoft and Kaifu Lee, which restricts his work at Google.

Sources:

  • "Beijing, Sept 22 Asia Pulse - Kaifu Lee, a target in an ongoing fight between Microsoft and Google, has taken up his post as Google's head in China, with the aim of recruiting 50 college graduates this year."
  • XIC 22-09 1415