Mira Murati’s AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab, is facing a talent crisis as it loses multiple executives to OpenAI. Recently, Jolene Parish, who joined in April 2025, became the latest departure, following CTO Barret Zoph’s exit last month. Zoph, reportedly leaving due to “unethical conduct,” had previously engaged in a controversial workplace relationship, which led to concerns from Murati. Despite his departure, Zoph, along with Luke Metz and Sam Schoenholz, returned to OpenAI, highlighting a fierce talent rivalry in the AI sector. In response, Murati announced Soumith Chintala as the new CTO, praising his substantial contributions to AI over the past decade. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman previously remarked on India’s potential in leading AI, emphasizing the ongoing competition between the two companies for top talent in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. This talent exodus underscores the strategic maneuvers between rising competitors in the industry.
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