OpenAI is taking swift action to retain its top researchers after Meta successfully recruited several of the company’s senior team members. According to a memo obtained by Wired, Chief Research Officer Mark Chen told employees he felt as if their house had been broken into and something valuable stolen. Chen emphasized that he, CEO Sam Altman, and other leaders have been working tirelessly to speak with employees holding offers from other companies. They are not only updating compensation packages but also exploring new ways to acknowledge and reward their most talented staff.
Reports indicate that at least eight researchers have left OpenAI in recent days to join Meta. Altman recently said on a podcast that Meta has been offering extremely large signing bonuses, suggesting figures as high as $100 million to lure key AI experts. Meta executives have internally denied those specific numbers, but the offers have nonetheless been substantial enough to prompt concern at OpenAI.
In response, the company is recalibrating pay and making efforts to reassure remaining staff that leadership is committed to supporting and retaining them. Chen’s message aimed to strengthen morale and remind the team that OpenAI is actively defending its workforce. This competition between major AI companies reflects the growing demand for experienced researchers who can advance artificial intelligence technology.
The wave of departures highlights the fierce battle for talent as organizations race to build more advanced AI systems. OpenAI leaders have promised to stay proactive in addressing employees’ concerns, recognizing that retaining expertise is essential to maintaining the company’s competitive edge.
