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Thursday, September 26, 2024

Mira Murati Steps Down as OpenAI’s CTO Amid Leadership Changes



Mira Murati, who has served as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at OpenAI since 2018, has announced her departure from the company. In a message shared internally and later posted on X, Murati explained that she is leaving to "create the time and space to do my own exploration."

A Notable Career at OpenAI

Murati’s tenure at OpenAI saw her rise to prominence, particularly when she briefly took on the role of CEO in November 2023 following the firing of Sam Altman. After Altman’s return, Murati resumed her position as CTO. Her exit comes on the heels of significant leadership changes within the organization, including the recent departures of Greg Brockman, OpenAI’s president and co-founder, and co-founder John Schulman. Brockman is taking a sabbatical, while Schulman has joined rival AI company Anthropic.

Murati's Reflections on Her Time at OpenAI

In her statement, Murati expressed gratitude for her time at OpenAI, stating:

"My six-and-a-half years with the OpenAI team have been an extraordinary privilege... This moment feels right. Our recent releases mark the beginning of a new era in interaction and intelligence—achievements made possible by your ingenuity and craftsmanship."

Murati highlighted the groundbreaking work done at OpenAI, emphasizing the advancements in AI safety and model performance. She noted that the team had transformed theoretical safety research into practical applications, creating AI systems that are more robust, aligned, and adaptable.

Focus on Transition and Future Endeavors

As she transitions out, Murati assured that her priority will be to ensure a smooth handover, maintaining the momentum that the team has built. She expressed her appreciation for the relationships formed and the challenges overcome during her time at OpenAI.

Additional Leadership Changes at OpenAI

Following Murati’s announcement, Altman revealed that Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew and VP of Research Barret Zoph are also departing. Although their departures were independent, Altman noted that it made sense to announce them together for a seamless transition. The leadership structure at OpenAI will see some changes, with Mark Chen, Head of Frontiers Research, stepping up as the new Research SVP. Research Scientist Josh Achiam will take on the role of Head of Mission Alignment, while Mark Knight has been appointed Chief Information Security Officer.

Conclusion

Mira Murati's departure marks a significant moment in OpenAI’s evolving landscape as it navigates leadership transitions and future innovations. Her contributions to AI technology and the collaborative spirit at OpenAI will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the industry.

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