OpenAI Rehires Key Researchers Amid Turmoil at Thinking Machines

OpenAI has rehired three prominent AI researchers – Barret Zoph, Luke Metz, and Sam Schoenholz – from rival firm Thinking Machines, according to CEO Fidji Simo. The move comes just weeks after Thinking Machines terminated Zoph as Chief Technology Officer over allegations of "unethical conduct."

In a social media announcement, Simo stated the transition "has been in the works for several weeks," with Zoph reporting directly to her while Metz and Schoenholz will report to Zoph. The company hasn't yet disclosed specific responsibilities for the returning researchers.

The recruitment occurs amidst significant turbulence at Thinking Machines. On January 14, CEO Mira Murati announced Zoph's termination during an all-hands meeting, citing ethical violations according to multiple sources. The company immediately appointed Soumith Chintala, former Meta AI researcher and PyTorch co-creator, as its new CTO.

Industry analysts note the strategic significance:

• Talent Reclamation: All three researchers previously contributed to OpenAI's core projects before joining Thinking Machines during its high-profile launch in 2025. Their return strengthens OpenAI's technical bench amid intensifying competition.
• Timing Advantage: OpenAI capitalized on leadership instability at Thinking Machines, executing the hires within weeks of Zoph's dismissal.
• Reporting Structure: Maintaining Zoph's leadership of Metz and Schoenholz preserves a proven team dynamic that previously delivered breakthroughs in transformer architecture and training efficiency.

Financial terms weren't disclosed, but the move occurs during unprecedented AI talent compensation packages. Recent studies show top AI researchers command $10M+ compensation packages amid industry shortages.

This incident highlights the fluidity of AI talent migration between major players. According to Stanford's 2025 AI Index Report, employee movement between top AI labs increased 34% year-over-year as companies aggressively recruit specialized expertise. OpenAI's reacquisition of proven researchers represents a tactical win in this high-stakes environment.

The personnel shift leaves Thinking Machines facing leadership restructuring while continuing development of its multimodal foundation models. Chintala brings substantial open-source credibility but must stabilize operations after Zoph's abrupt departure.

Neither OpenAI nor Thinking Machines provided additional comment on the transition. Industry observers will monitor how the returning researchers impact OpenAI's product roadmap amid growing pressure to monetize its technology stack.