Thinking Machines cofounders Barret Zoph and Luke Metz are departing from the AI lab to rejoin OpenAI, as announced by OpenAI’s CEO of applications, Fidji Simo. The news, first reported by tech journalist Kylie Robison, suggests that Zoph was let go due to “unethical conduct,” specifically related to sharing confidential information with competitors. Sources indicate Zoph communicated his intention to leave earlier this week, leading to his dismissal, though Murati, the Thinking Machines CEO, had concerns about his conduct. OpenAI views Zoph’s return differently. This transition is noteworthy for OpenAI, which recently saw its VP of research, Jerry Tworek, leave. Additionally, staff member Sam Schoenholz from Thinking Machines will also be rejoining OpenAI. Zoph and Metz founded Thinking Machines after leaving OpenAI in late 2024, with Murati serving as CTO at OpenAI previously. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.
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