Sam Altman Denies Link Between OpenAI Executives' Departure And Company Restructuring (Image: X @Producthunt)
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has denied any connection between the sudden departure of three senior executives and the company’s planned restructuring on Thursday. The revelation was based on the departure of Mira Murati (chief technology officer), Barret Zoph, and Bob McGrew (senior research executives) on Wednesday. Altman stated that reports linking the departures to restructuring were inaccurate when speaking at the Italian Tech Week conference.
He said that the proposed restructuring involves transforming OpenAI into a for-profit benefit corporation that would make it more attractive to investors. Altman confirmed that the board has been considering this change for almost a year. However, he praised the departing executives and expressed excitement about simplifying the company’s structure and working closer with technical staff.
Also, read| Mira Murati Leaves As OpenAI CTO
I just posted this note to Openai:
Hi All–
Mira has been instrumental to OpenAI’s progress and growth over the last 6.5 years; she has been a hugely significant factor in our development from an unknown research lab to an important company.
When Mira informed me this morning that…
— Sam Altman (@sama) September 26, 2024
Altman also revealed that the restructuring plans are still being negotiated with an uncertain timeline for completion and the development signals significant changes within the company and its further innovations. It was on Wednesday, that Mira Murati, the Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI announced her departure from the organisation after six and a half years of service.
In a heartfelt message, Murati expressed her gratitude to OpenAI co-founders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman for their trust and support throughout her tenure. She also highlighted the significant advancements made in artificial intelligence (AI) and emphasised the teamwork that led to breakthroughs in areas like speech-to-speech and the OpenAI o1 release.
Also, read| Elon Musk Digs At OpenAI’s Sam Altman With A Game Of Thrones Reference, As Core Team Steps Down
