OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirms executives are not leaving because of restructuring

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, addressed recent rumours linking the departure of three senior executives to an impending company restructuring, denying any direct connection between the two events. Speaking at the Italian Tech Week conference in Turin, Altman clarified that the exits were unrelated to the organisational changes the board had been contemplating for months, Reuters reported.

In Short

• Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, addressed recent rumours linking the departure of 3 executives
• Altman clarified that the exits were unrelated to the organisational changes
• He dismissed the speculation, stating that much of what was being reported was inaccurate

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, addressed recent rumours linking the departure of three senior executives to an impending company restructuring, denying any direct connection between the two events. Speaking at the Italian Tech Week conference in Turin, Altman clarified that the exits were unrelated to the organisational changes that the board had been contemplating for months, Reuters reported.

The announcement of Mira Murati, OpenAI's longtime Chief Technology Officer, leaving the company came as a surprise on Wednesday. Shortly after, senior research executives Barret Zoph and Bob McGrew also revealed their decisions to depart. On the same day, reports emerged that OpenAI was preparing to restructure itself into a for-profit benefit corporation, moving away from the control of its non-profit board to attract more investors.

Altman dismissed the speculation, stating that much of what was being reported was inaccurate. He emphasised that the company’s board had been independently discussing the restructuring for nearly a year as part of OpenAI's strategy to evolve. He further explained that the leadership changes had no bearing on these internal discussions.

He has publicly addressed the simultaneous exits of Bob and Barret. He highlighted that all three leaders made independent decisions. “Mira, Bob, and Barret made these decisions independently of each other and amicably,” Altman clarified. He noted that while the departures were abrupt, it made sense to coordinate them to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Altman expressed admiration for the contributions of the departing executives, adding that the organisational shift would enable him to become more engaged with the technical side of operations, something he had less time for recently due to his broader responsibilities.

"This transition is expected to strengthen OpenAI as the company continues to grow and innovate," Altman remarked, suggesting that the restructuring would simplify the company’s structure and improve its ability to move forward effectively.

Altman has already revealed the company’s future leadership structure. Mark will step into the role of Senior Vice President of Research, partnering with Jakub, the company’s Chief Scientist. “Mark has deep technical expertise,” Altman said, adding, “but he has also learned how to be a leader and manager in a very impressive way over the past few years.”

Altman also introduced other key leadership roles, including Josh Achiam as the new Head of Mission Alignment and Matt Knight as the Chief Information Security Officer. He noted that while the changes are happening earlier than expected, OpenAI is prepared for this transition.