Mira, a key figure in OpenAI’s development over the past 6.5 years, has announced her departure from the company. Her departure comes as a surprise, but the leadership is supportive of her decision. Throughout the last year, Mira has been working to build a strong leadership team that will help continue OpenAI’s momentum.
In addition to Mira, Bob and Barret have also decided to leave OpenAI, making their decisions independently. The timing of these announcements coincides, prompting the organization to address these leadership transitions collectively to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership.
The impact of leadership at OpenAI is immense, as it involves the privilege of advancing artificial general intelligence (AGI) while also demanding intense commitment. The outgoing leaders have shown exceptional dedication to the company and its mission.
Moving forward, Mark will take on the role of Senior Vice President of Research, leading the research organization alongside Jakub, who will serve as Chief Scientist. This transition aligns with a long-term succession plan for Bob, although it has occurred sooner than anticipated. Mark’s technical knowledge and developed leadership skills position him well for this role.
Josh Achiam will assume the role of Head of Mission Alignment, focusing on aligning the organization’s culture and objectives to ensure success. Kevin and Srinivas will continue leading the Applied team, and Matt Knight is set to officially become the Chief Information Security Officer after fulfilling the role for an extended period.
The new leadership team, which includes Mark, Jakub, Kevin, Srinivas, Matt, and Josh, will report directly to Sam. He looks forward to dedicating his attention primarily to the technical and product aspects of OpenAI, having spent significant time in non-technical areas in recent months.
An event will be held tonight at 5:30 PM at the company’s headquarters, allowing the team to show appreciation for the outgoing leaders and reflect on their contributions. An all-hands meeting is scheduled for tomorrow to address any questions and discuss the recent changes in leadership.
While leadership changes can be unsettling, they are often a part of a rapidly growing organization like OpenAI. Sam acknowledged the abruptness of these transitions but believes they are timely given the current positive trajectory of the company. Further discussions on this topic will take place during the all-hands meeting. Sam expressed gratitude for the hard work and dedication of the entire OpenAI team.