OpenAI CEO Sam Altman denies linking the executives’ departure to restructuring plans

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has rejected claims linking the recent departures of three senior executives to the company’s planned restructuring. In a speech at the Italian Tech Week conference, Altman explained that the personnel changes were unrelated to ongoing restructuring discussions, which he said had been under consideration by the board for almost a year.

OpenAI’s chief technology officer, Mira Murati, announced her departure on Wednesday, which was soon followed by the resignation of two senior research directors, Barret Zoph and Bob McGrew. The news coincided with a Reuters report revealing OpenAI’s plans to restructure its core business into a for-profit company aimed at attracting more investors.

Addressing the rumors, Altman said, “It’s completely untrue,” referring to the alleged connection between the departures and the restructuring. He emphasized that the management board had been considering restructuring on its own for almost a year.

“A lot of the things I saw were just completely wrong, but we were thinking about it (restructuring), our board was operating independently for almost a year, thinking about what it would take to get to the next stage. “

Altman expressed appreciation for the departing management team and optimism about streamlining the company’s structure. He also mentioned his desire to increase his involvement in the technical aspects of the business.

“I haven’t been involved in technology as much as other things lately because there’s so much going on that I’m excited about the opportunity to do it,” he said.

While details of the proposed restructuring are still being finalized, sources suggest significant changes are on the horizon. The completion date remains uncertain.