Mira Murati, the Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI, has officially announced her decision to step down from the AI company just a week before its major annual DevDay conference. After over six years with OpenAI, Murati revealed via her X (formerly Twitter) account that she intends to “explore new opportunities” after reflecting on her journey.
A Pivotal Role in OpenAI’s Growth
Murati played a critical role in OpenAI’s development, overseeing the launch of the company’s flagship products such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Codex. Since joining OpenAI in 2018 as Vice President of Applied AI and Partnerships, Murati’s leadership contributed to some of the company’s most notable successes, ultimately earning her the role of CTO in 2022.
Sam Altman Responds to Murati’s Announcement
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, responded to Murati’s announcement, expressing gratitude for her contributions to the company’s vision and growth. He praised her work and her support during difficult times within the organization. Altman also assured that more details on the transition plans will be shared soon.
A Series of High-Profile Departures at OpenAI
Murati’s departure is the latest in a string of significant executive exits at OpenAI. Earlier this year, Jan Leike, OpenAI’s former safety leader, and co-founder John Schulman also left the company. These departures come as OpenAI seeks additional funding, with reports suggesting the company could be valued at over $150 billion.
Future Outlook for OpenAI Amid Funding Pursuits
OpenAI is currently rumored to be seeking a new funding round, with potential investments from Microsoft, Nvidia, Apple, and Thrive Capital. The company has been spending heavily on AI model training and infrastructure, reportedly costing around $700,000 a day to run ChatGPT alone. As Murati exits, the focus will be on how OpenAI will manage this transition while pursuing continued growth and innovation in the AI space.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/openai-cto-mira-murati-is-leaving-the-company/
