Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-01-04 07:32Core Viewpoint - The departure of Kuaishou's Vice President Zhou Guorui highlights a trend of ongoing executive turnover within the company, raising concerns about its AI strategy and organizational stability [1][9][10]. Group 1: Executive Departures - Zhou Guorui, Vice President and head of foundational models and recommendation models, is reportedly leaving Kuaishou, with internal systems indicating he is on leave [1]. - His departure is part of a broader trend, with over ten executives at the vice president level leaving since October 2023, including key figures in various technical roles [5][9]. - The exodus includes notable departures such as Yuan Shuai, Vice President of Magnetic Engine, and Zhang Di, who left after the revenue of the self-developed model "Keling" surpassed 100 million yuan [5][9]. Group 2: Impact on AI Strategy - Zhou Guorui's exit is significant as he was a key player in Kuaishou's AI strategy, having led the development of OneRec and other foundational models [5][10]. - The ongoing turnover raises concerns about the continuity of Kuaishou's AI strategy, especially as competition in the short video industry intensifies with rivals like Douyin and WeChat Video increasing their AI investments [10][12]. - The company is experiencing a shift in focus from long-term technological investment to immediate commercial efficiency, as evidenced by a decline in R&D spending from 18.4% of revenue in 2021 to an expected 9.6% in 2024 [9][12]. Group 3: Organizational Challenges - Kuaishou is undergoing significant organizational changes, including a major restructuring that affects 15 business lines and 25 mid-level managers, leading to increased instability and executive turnover [9][12]. - The company faces multiple business challenges, including underperformance in its AI business, with the revenue from "Keling" only reaching 250 million yuan in Q2 2025, accounting for just 4.8% of total revenue [12]. - The loss of key talent poses a risk to Kuaishou's technological advancement and could disrupt the internal team dynamics, further complicating its strategic transition [9][10].