Two Thinking Machines Lab Cofounders Exit to Rejoin OpenAI
▼ Summary
– Thinking Machines cofounders Barret Zoph and Luke Metz are leaving their AI lab to rejoin OpenAI, as announced by OpenAI’s applications CEO.
– Barret Zoph was reportedly fired from Thinking Machines for “unethical conduct,” specifically for sharing confidential information with competitors.
– OpenAI’s leadership, in a memo, stated they do not share the same concerns about Zoph’s conduct as Thinking Machines CEO Mira Murati did.
– This move is a significant gain for OpenAI, which recently experienced the departure of its VP of research.
– Zoph and Metz had originally left OpenAI in late 2024 to co-found Thinking Machines with former OpenAI executive Mira Murati.
The recent departure of two cofounders from Thinking Machines Lab to return to OpenAI marks a significant shift in the competitive AI research landscape. Barret Zoph and Luke Metz, who left OpenAI in late 2024 to launch the new lab with former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, are now rejoining their former employer. This move represents a notable personnel gain for OpenAI, which recently experienced the exit of its vice president of research, Jerry Tworek. The announcement was communicated to OpenAI staff by CEO of applications Fidji Simo in an internal memo.
According to the memo, Zoph informed Murati on Monday of his potential departure and was subsequently fired from Thinking Machines today. Simo’s communication clarified that OpenAI does not share the same concerns regarding Zoph that prompted his termination from the startup. Initial reports on social media, from technology reporter Kylie Robison, indicated Zoph was dismissed for “unethical conduct.” A source with knowledge of the situation elaborated that this pertained to Zoph allegedly sharing confidential company information with competitors. WIRED could not independently verify these allegations, as Zoph did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The personnel changes extend beyond the cofounders. Another staff member from Thinking Machines Lab, Sam Schoenholz, is also set to rejoin OpenAI, according to the same source. This collective return of talent underscores the ongoing competition for top AI researchers and the fluid movement of experts between established giants and ambitious startups. The situation at Thinking Machines Lab, now led by CEO Mira Murati, remains dynamic following these high-profile exits.
(Source: Wired)
