OpenAI is actively responding to a wave of researcher exits, most notably to Meta. In a memo obtained by Wired, Chief Research Officer Mark Chen told staff, “I feel a visceral feeling right now, as if someone has broken into our home and stolen something”.

The message was sent over Slack on Saturday, where Chen emphasized that company leadership had not “been standing idly by”.

According to the memo, Chen, CEO Sam Altman, and other senior figures have been working “around the clock to talk to those with offers”.

He added, “We’ve been more proactive than ever before”.

Compensation packages under review at OpenAI

Chen said OpenAI is “recalibrating comp” and “scoping out creative ways to recognize and reward top talent”.

This appears to be part of a broader effort to improve retention and reassure staff following the high-profile exits.

Meta hires eight senior OpenAI researchers.

Reports over the past week have identified eight researchers who have recently left OpenAI for Meta.

Some of these individuals played key roles in the company’s technical and scientific initiatives.

Meta’s hiring spree appears focused on strengthening its internal AI research capabilities.

Sam Altman alleges aggressive recruitment tactics.

Speaking on a podcast, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claimed that Meta was offering “$100 million signing bonuses” to attract staff.

According to reporting, this claim was met with internal pushback from Meta executives, who disputed the description.

OpenAI is working to retain mission-driven talent.

In Chen’s Slack memo, he noted that leadership is committed to responding decisively. “This is not business as usual,” he wrote.

“I know how hard it’s been to focus amidst all this.” He urged staff to “take care of each other” and recognized that many were still navigating emotions around the departures.

PHOTO: UNSPLASH

This article was created with AI assistance.