Archive · 18 Jan 2026
OpenAI poaches key talent from Thinking Machines Lab
OpenAI, a big company that makes smart computer programs, has taken back some of its old workers from another company called Thinking Machines Lab.
Three important people from Thinking Machines Lab, who used to work at OpenAI, are going back.
Their names are Brett Zoph, Luke Metz, and Sam Schoenholz.
Brett will work for Fidji Simo, who is the boss of some parts of OpenAI.
Luke and Sam will work for Brett.
After this, it was found that two more people, Lia Guy and Ian O’Connell, are also leaving Thinking Machines Lab.
One of them, Lia, is going to OpenAI.
This is a big deal because companies are fighting to get the best people to work for them in the field of artificial intelligence.
OpenAI has poached three founding members of Thinking Machines Lab: Brett Zoph, Luke Metz, and Sam Schoenholz.
Brett Zoph will report to Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s CEO of Applications, while Luke Metz and Sam Schoenholz will report to Zoph.
Reports indicate that at least two additional researchers, Lia Guy and Ian O’Connell, are leaving Thinking Machines Lab, with Guy heading to OpenAI.
The hiring coup was confirmed by Fidji Simo on the social media platform X on Wednesday, January 14, 2024.
This move is part of an escalating battle for top AI talent between leading companies in the field.
- Who
- Brett Zoph, Luke Metz, Sam Schoenholz, Lia Guy, Ian O’Connell
- What
- OpenAI poached key talent from Thinking Machines Lab
- When
- Confirmation on January 14, 2024; additional departures reported on January 15, 2024
- Where
- San Francisco, California
- Why
- Escalating AI talent battle
- Poached Employees
- Brett Zoph, Luke Metz, Sam Schoenholz, Lia Guy, Ian O’Connell
- Current OpenAI Roles
- Brett Zoph reports to Fidji Simo, Luke Metz and Sam Schoenholz report to Brett Zoph
- Confirmation Source
- Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s CEO of Applications, confirmed the hiring on X
- Date of Confirmation
- Wednesday, January 14, 2024
- Additional Departures Reported
- Thursday, January 15, 2024