OpenAI co-founder Schulman leaves for Anthropic, Brockman takes extended leave

John Schulman, a co-founder of OpenAI, has departed the company to join rival AI startup Anthropic, focusing on AI alignment research. OpenAI's president, Greg Brockman, is taking an extended leave until the end of the year for personal reasons. Schulman expressed his desire to engage more deeply in hands-on technical work and believes he can achieve this at Anthropic. He has been instrumental in developing OpenAI's ChatGPT and led the alignment science efforts. Despite his departure, Schulman emphasized that his decision was personal and not due to a lack of support from OpenAI's leadership. Following these changes, only three of the original eleven founders remain at OpenAI. The company acknowledged Schulman's contributions and expressed gratitude for his work in advancing alignment research. Brockman, who has been with OpenAI for nine years, stated that this sabbatical is his first opportunity to relax since co-founding the organization. The departures come amid ongoing discussions about OpenAI's approach to AI safety and research.

- John Schulman has left OpenAI to join Anthropic, focusing on AI alignment.

- Greg Brockman is taking a sabbatical until the end of the year.

- Schulman played a key role in developing ChatGPT and leading alignment efforts at OpenAI.

- Only three of the original eleven OpenAI founders remain after these departures.

- Schulman emphasized his decision was personal and not due to a lack of support from OpenAI.