OpenAI's chief research officer has left following CTO Mira Murati's exit

OpenAI's chief research officer, Bob McGrew, and research VP, Barret Zoph, have resigned from the company shortly after the announcement of CTO Mira Murati's departure. CEO Sam Altman confirmed the resignations, stating that they were made independently and amicably. Mark Chen has been promoted to senior vice president of research, while Jakub Pachocki will serve as chief scientist. Other leadership changes include Matt Knight as chief information security officer and Josh Achiam as head of mission alignment. Altman emphasized that these transitions are a normal part of business, despite their abrupt timing. McGrew expressed a desire for a break after eight years at OpenAI, while Zoph indicated it was a natural time for him to seek new opportunities. The departures come amid reports of OpenAI's shift from a nonprofit to a for-profit model, which may have contributed to internal disagreements. This follows a series of high-profile exits from the company, leaving only three of the original 13 founders. Altman acknowledged the challenges of leadership at OpenAI, highlighting the intense demands of the role.

- Bob McGrew and Barret Zoph left OpenAI after CTO Mira Murati's resignation.

- Mark Chen has been promoted to SVP of research, with Jakub Pachocki as chief scientist.

- The leadership changes are part of a normal business transition, according to CEO Sam Altman.

- Departures coincide with OpenAI's potential shift to a for-profit model.

- Only three of the original 13 founders of OpenAI remain after recent exits.