Cofounders of Two Thinking Machines Lab Depart to Reunite with OpenAI

Cofounders of Thinking Machines Barret Zoph and Luke Metz are transitioning from the nascent AI lab back to OpenAI, as announced by the ChatGPT developer on Thursday. OpenAI’s applications CEO, Fidji Simo, conveyed this information in a memo to staff on Thursday afternoon.

The news was initially reported on X by tech journalist Kylie Robison, who stated that Zoph was terminated due to “unethical conduct.”

A source affiliated with Thinking Machines indicated that Zoph had disclosed confidential company information to rivals. WIRED was unable to confirm this claim with Zoph, who did not promptly respond to WIRED’s inquiry.

Zoph informed Thinking Machines CEO Mira Murati on Monday about his intention to leave, and was subsequently fired today, as per Simo’s memo. She noted that OpenAI does not share the same concerns regarding Zoph as Murati does.

This personnel change marks a significant win for OpenAI, which recently experienced the departure of its VP of research, Jerry Tworek.

Additionally, another staff member from Thinking Machines Lab, Sam Schoenholz, is also returning to OpenAI, according to the source.

Zoph and Metz departed from OpenAI in late 2024 to launch Thinking Machines alongside Murati, who previously served as the chief technology officer at the ChatGPT developer.

This story is developing. Please check back for updates.