Another big leadership shake-up at ChatGPT maker OpenAI: CTO, VP of Research, and Chief Research Officer Departures
OpenAI, the innovative company behind ChatGPT, recently saw three of its key leaders - Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati, VP of Research Barret Zoph, and Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew - announce their departures. This development comes amidst a period of significant change and expansion for the AI firm.
The news of these departures was shared by the executives themselves on X (formerly Twitter), adding to the ongoing transformation within OpenAI. The company is currently in the process of navigating a substantial $6.5 billion funding round, which has the potential to elevate its valuation to $150 billion.
Structural Changes and Financial Implications
This round of financing is closely linked to structural alterations within the company, including its transition to a for-profit benefit corporation. As part of these changes, CEO Sam Altman is set to receive an equity stake. Previously, OpenAI operated under a unique corporate setup where a non-profit board oversaw its for-profit activities.
While the funding round is still pending, the departure of these high-profile executives raises concerns about potential implications on investor confidence. Reports indicate that certain deals may allow investors to retract their support in the event of significant negative impacts on the company. However, it remains uncertain whether the current situation will trigger such responses.
Departing Executives and Their Contributions
Mira Murati, a long-standing figure at OpenAI with a tenure of six and a half years, is currently in talks regarding her exit. Having initially joined the company as VP of Applied AI and Partnerships in December 2020, Murati was later promoted to the role of CTO in May 2022. She played a prominent role in the public representation of OpenAI, frequently appearing alongside CEO Sam Altman. Murati was notably involved in the launch of GPT-4 in May 2023, marking a milestone in AI advancement.
In her announcement on X, Murati disclosed her decision to step down in order to focus on personal exploration. Reports suggest that she is still actively involved in OpenAI as she negotiates her departure terms. Murati also briefly assumed the position of OpenAI's CEO in November 2023 during a leadership transition period.
Continued Leadership Changes
The departure of Murati, Zoph, and McGrew adds to a series of significant leadership transitions at OpenAI this year. Co-founder John Schulman departed in August to join a competing AI company, while Greg Brockman, another co-founder, declared a sabbatical. Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever also left earlier in May.
In response to these exits, CEO Sam Altman announced internal promotions within OpenAI, appointing Matt Knight as Chief Information Security Officer and Mark Chen as Senior VP of Research. Altman noted that Murati's decision to leave was unexpected but emphasized her desire to depart during a positive phase for the company.
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