Jonathan Lachman, the former head of special projects at OpenAI, has decided to leave the company and join an artificial intelligence research lab founded by former OpenAI boss Mira Murati. This is the most high-profile hire Murati has made since leaving OpenAI in September last year, when she launched a new venture focused on exploring Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Murati has so far recruited about 10 researchers and engineers from well-known companies such as OpenAI, Character AI and Google DeepMind.
However, her startup is still in its early stages and does not yet have a clear name or product, according to sources familiar with the company. In addition, an OpenAI spokesperson confirmed Lachman’s departure, but neither Murati nor Lachman have commented publicly on the development.
The move comes after a turbulent period for OpenAI, culminating in the unexpected dismissal of CEO Sam Altman from the board of directors in late 2023. At that time, Murati was appointed interim CEO and then, after a period of uncertainty, Altman returned to lead the company. When Murati decided to leave OpenAI, she accompanied the decision with a farewell letter, thanking Altman for his support and explaining that she was leaving to embark on her own personal adventure. After leaving OpenAI, Murati began working on a new start-up that has raised over $100 million in funding to date.
