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Is this the end of OpenAI as we know it? On Friday night, three senior researchers at OpenAI resigned in the aftermath of Sam Altman’s termination and the sudden resignation of president Greg Brockman, as reported by The Information, citing sources familiar with the situation.
The departing individuals include Jakub Pachocki, the company’s Director of Research; Aleksander Madry, who led a team assessing potential AI risks, and Szymon Sidor, a seven-year researcher at the startup.
Pachocki, who began as a research lead in 2017, climbed the ranks over six years to become the Director of Research. In contrast, Aleksander Madry joined just seven months ago, and served as the Head of Preparedness. Sidor joined OpenAI as a Member of Technical staff in 2016.
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Associates disclosed that each researcher communicated their resignation. These departures underscore significant discontent among certain employees following Altman’s removal and highlight the challenges currently faced by the company. It is said that a considerable number of top figures at OpenAI are set to depart soon.
OpenAI on Friday said that it removed Altman, following a deliberative review process by the board, which concluded that he was not consistently “candid” in his communications with the board, hindering its ability to exercise its responsibilities. “The board no longer has confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI,” read the blog.