Mark Zuckerberg Awards $1.5 Billion Package To Leading AI Visionary | Read1hour

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has made headlines again after approving a massive $1.5 billion compensation package for one of the company’s top artificial intelligence (AI) researchers. The decision, which has stirred both admiration and controversy, underscores how fiercely competitive the global race for AI talent has become.

According to reports, the recipient of this unprecedented deal is Dr. Ethan Moreau, a renowned AI scientist known for his groundbreaking work in neural network architecture and self-learning systems. Moreau, who joined Meta two years ago after leading projects at DeepMind, has been instrumental in developing Meta’s next-generation AI model — internally referred to as “Athena.”

Insiders describe “Athena” as Meta’s bold answer to OpenAI’s GPT-5 and Google’s Gemini Ultra, capable of complex reasoning, multimodal understanding, and advanced content generation. Zuckerberg reportedly views the project as Meta’s “ticket to the next internet revolution.”

The billion-dollar pay package includes stock options, performance-based bonuses, and long-term retention incentives. This makes Moreau one of the highest-paid AI experts in the world, surpassing even senior executives at some of Silicon Valley’s largest firms.

Critics, however, question the optics of such a massive payout amid growing public scrutiny of Big Tech’s spending habits. While Meta’s AI division continues to grow rapidly, the company has also faced layoffs in other departments. Labor advocates argue that such extreme executive compensation highlights the widening pay gap between corporate leaders and everyday workers.

Still, industry observers say the move reflects the fierce battle to dominate the AI frontier. Top researchers today are seen as the “new rockstars” of technology, often commanding pay packages once reserved for CEOs. Companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Meta are aggressively competing to secure the brightest minds, knowing that one major breakthrough could redefine the future of computing.

Zuckerberg defended the decision in a press briefing, calling it an “investment in innovation.” He said, “AI is not just a product; it’s the foundation of everything we’re building for the future of digital interaction. Ethan has been a visionary force behind that mission.”

Dr. Moreau, for his part, remains a relatively private figure despite his growing fame in the AI community. His previous research focused on creating adaptive AI systems that learn from minimal data input — a field that could revolutionize machine learning efficiency.

Experts say Meta’s success in AI could determine its relevance in the next decade as virtual and augmented reality merge with intelligent systems. “This isn’t just about one researcher,” said tech analyst Carla Stevens. “It’s about who leads the next phase of the AI revolution — and Zuckerberg clearly wants Meta in front.”

With this record-breaking package, Zuckerberg has made it clear that Meta is willing to spend big to stay ahead. Whether this gamble pays off may define the next era of global AI competition.