Microsoft's Qi Lu has joined Chinese search engine operator Baidu. In his new role as the Group President and COO, Qi Lu will handle its products, technology, sales, and marketing operations.

Qi Lu, was with Microsoft for nine years as officer in charge and held the position of EVP of the applications and service group during his tenure.

Baidu's former COO, David Zhu, left the company to join GGV Capital as an investor in 2014, and the company was on the lookout for someone who could take it to new heights.

For the unfamiliar, Baidu is a technology-based media company, which is a leading Chinese language internet search provider. Its objective is to provide the best search results for what people are looking for in a business platform.

Baidu also initiates opportunities for these business ventures to connect to target audiences and customers interested in trade.

Robin Li, CEO of Baidu, stated his confidence in Qi Lu and spoke of the company's objective of strengthening the management and technology sector. This would involve strategic planning in order to achieve the desired goals in AI. Qi Lu is seen as the key in initiating and executing Baidu's strategic focus.

Microsoft veteran Qi Lu possesses an immeasurable experience in implementing leadership and management skills and is seen as a leading authority on AI. Qi Lu's resignation from Microsoft was allegedly because of recurring health issues.

Qi Lu looks forward to working with the whole Baidu team and its AI strategy. He plans to make major contributions to the evolution of AI technology.

"Baidu is well known as one of China's top technology companies, and is already recognized on the global stage as a leader in AI. I am excited to help realize Baidu's visionary AI strategy. To be part of Baidu's evolution into a world-class technology company for the AI-era is a tremendous opportunity. Under Robin's leadership, I look forward to working with the entire Baidu team to create a true global technology leader," noted Qi Lu.

How Will Qi Lu Propel Baidu Forward

Lu's recruitment will help Baidu as it tries to come off its tumultuous year having faced an online scandal regarding medical ads that brought several government restrictions to the company.

With AI flagged as the next profit driver for the business, he is considered the flag bearer for the desired changes. Qi Lu, who holds more than 40 U.S. patents, will focus on research on advanced technologies and looks forward to a broader spectrum in terms of development and profits.

Rumors of Baidu creating a smart device that would be similar to the Amazon Echo, which can decipher verbal commands and order food or even beckon cars have circulated online. Perhaps, Qi Lu will be instrumental in taking the rumored project forward.

Photo: Diana Coetzee | Flickr