Three Top Executives Leave Thinking Machines for OpenAI

Three top executives at Thinking Machines Lab, the AI startup led by Mira Murati, left the company on Wednesday and joined OpenAI. The moves involve co-founder and chief technology officer Barret Zoph, co-founder Luke Metz, and researcher Sam Schoenholz. All three had previously worked at OpenAI before starting Thinking Machines Lab in early 2025. The departures happened quickly, with OpenAI announcing their return the same day.

Background

Mira Murati started Thinking Machines Lab after leaving her role as chief technology officer at OpenAI in September 2024. She brought along several former colleagues, including Zoph, Metz, and Schoenholz, to build a new company focused on advanced AI systems. The startup raised $2 billion in a seed round last July, reaching a $12 billion valuation. Investors included Andreessen Horowitz, Accel, Nvidia, AMD, and Jane Street.

The team aimed to compete in the fast-moving AI field. They hired experts from OpenAI, Meta, and Mistral AI. But keeping staff has proven hard. In October, co-founder Andrew Tulloch left for Meta. Now, with Zoph, Metz, and Schoenholz gone, the company has lost most of its original founders.

OpenAI has faced its own staff changes. Several co-founders started rival firms. John Schulman left for Anthropic in 2024, then joined Thinking Machines briefly as chief scientist. OpenAI's VP of research Jerry Tworek announced his exit recently. Phil Chen, a member of the technical staff, also left this week.

These shifts show how AI companies fight over the best workers. Top researchers often move between firms, taking skills and ideas with them. Thinking Machines Lab launched with big promises, but the talent drain raises questions about its path forward.

Key Details

Murati announced Zoph's departure first on X, the social media site. She said the company had parted ways with him and named Soumith Chintala as the new CTO.

"We have parted ways with Barret Zoph. Soumith Chintala will be the new CTO of Thinking Machines. He is a brilliant and seasoned leader who has made important contributions to the AI field for over a decade, and he’s been a major contributor to our team. We could not be more excited to have him take on this new responsibility."

— Mira Murati, CEO of Thinking Machines Lab

Just over an hour later, Fidji Simo, OpenAI's CEO of applications, posted about welcoming the three back.

"Excited to welcome Barret Zoph, Luke Metz, and Sam Schoenholz back to OpenAI! This has been in the works for several weeks, and we’re thrilled to have them join the team. Barret will report to me; Luke and Sam will report into Barret. More to come on what they’ll focus on soon!"

— Fidji Simo, CEO of Applications at OpenAI

Zoph reposted Simo's message, adding that he was super excited. Reports emerged about the reasons for Zoph's exit. One account said Thinking Machines fired him on Wednesday for unethical conduct, including sharing confidential information with competitors. OpenAI, however, does not share those concerns, according to a memo Simo sent to staff.

Leadership Changes at Thinking Machines

Soumith Chintala steps in as CTO. He has worked on the team and brings years of AI experience. The company has not commented on Metz or Schoenholz's departures publicly. Two more employees may leave for OpenAI soon, based on reports from tech journalist Alex Heath.

Zoph was VP of research at OpenAI before joining Thinking Machines. He spent six years at Google as a research scientist prior. Metz and Schoenholz also have deep roots in AI research from their OpenAI days.

OpenAI's Recent Moves

OpenAI continues to rebuild its team amid its own losses. The company faces competition from deals like Apple and Google's partnership on Gemini for Siri. Re-hiring familiar faces like Zoph could help stabilize research efforts.

What This Means

The exits hit Thinking Machines Lab hard. Losing the CTO and two co-founders so soon after launch disrupts operations. Investors may worry about stability. The startup planned to raise over $4 billion at a $50 billion valuation, but turnover could make that tougher.

For OpenAI, the hires strengthen its position. Bringing back proven talent gives an edge in developing new AI models. Zoph reporting to Simo suggests a focus on applications and products.

The AI field sees constant movement. Startups like Thinking Machines draw people with freedom and funding, but big firms like OpenAI offer resources and stability. This pattern could continue, with more jumps between companies.

Thinking Machines must now fill gaps. Chintala's role helps, but rebuilding trust with staff and backers takes time. Murati's leadership will face tests as the company pushes forward on its projects.

OpenAI gains momentum, but its own departures remind everyone of the risks. The talent chase shapes who leads in AI. Each move pulls resources one way or another, slowing some teams while boosting others.

Industry watchers see this as part of a larger shift. Smaller outfits struggle to hold ground against giants. Yet history shows startups can rebound with smart hires and clear goals. Thinking Machines has cash and talent left to fight on.