OpenAI experienced a significant shift in its workforce in 2025, with at least 12 key figures leaving the organization. This wave of departures included over half a dozen researchers moving to Meta’s Superintelligence Lab, part of the company’s ambitious plan to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities.
The departures were particularly notable during the summer months, when OpenAI lost at least seven researchers, including prominent scientists who had previously contributed to groundbreaking projects such as ChatGPT and GPT-4. This exodus followed a tumultuous year in 2024, marked by a major restructuring that saw several top executives, including chief technology officer Mira Murati and chief research officer Bob McGrew, exit the company.
As of now, Sam Altman, the CEO, remains one of only two active members from the original 11-person founding team. The attrition raises questions about the future direction of OpenAI and its ongoing projects.
Key Departures and Their New Roles
Among those who transitioned to Meta were several noteworthy researchers. Jason Wei, a research scientist involved in OpenAI’s o1 and deep research models, joined Meta’s Superintelligence Lab in July. Another significant addition to Meta’s team was Shengjia Zhao, who took on the role of chief scientist after co-creating pivotal AI technologies at OpenAI.
Other researchers who made the leap include Jiahui Yu, recognized for his leadership in developing the sensory capabilities of large language models, and Hyung Won Chung, who, along with his colleagues, expressed enthusiasm for working with a highly skilled team at Meta. Hongyu Ren and Shuchao Bi also left OpenAI to pursue opportunities at Meta, contributing to the company’s focus on AI advancements.
Executive Exits and Strategic Changes
In addition to researchers, OpenAI saw significant executive departures. Hannah Wong, the chief communications officer, announced her departure in late December, indicating a transition into her “next chapter.” Julia Villagra, who had recently been promoted to chief people officer, resigned in August, further contributing to the reshuffling of leadership.
Liam Fedus, who was vice president of research and post-training at OpenAI, co-founded a startup named Periodic Labs that aims to develop an AI scientist. Furthermore, Tom Cunningham, formerly an economic researcher at OpenAI, joined a non-profit organization focused on evaluating the safety and capabilities of AI models.
These changes reflect a broader trend in the artificial intelligence sector, where competition for top talent is intensifying. As companies like Meta ramp up their efforts to attract skilled professionals, the implications for OpenAI’s future projects and strategies remain to be seen.
The loss of these key figures not only reshapes the internal landscape of OpenAI but also signals a pivotal moment in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, where collaboration and innovation are paramount.
