OpenAI Rehires Former Staff from Thinking Machines Amid AI Talent Competition

OpenAI has re-hired three former staff members—Barret Zoph, Luke Metz, and Sam Schoenholz—who had left to join Thinking Machines Lab, an AI startup led by ex-OpenAI executive Mira Murati. The move, confirmed by OpenAI's CEO of Applications Fidji Simo, highlights intense competition for AI talent. Thinking Machines recently appointed Soumith Chintala as its new CTO. Reports of Zoph's firing from Thinking Machines over alleged unethical conduct were disputed by OpenAI, emphasizing challenges faced by new AI labs against established firms.