OpenAI Cofounders Exit Two Thinking Machines Lab
- Barret Zoph and Luke Metz, cofounders of the AI lab Thinking Machines, are returning to OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, according to a memo from OpenAI's CEO of...
- The departures from Thinking Machines are occurring amidst allegations of unethical conduct leveled against Barret Zoph.
- A source with knowledge of the situation at Thinking Machines claimed Zoph disclosed proprietary data to rival organizations.
OpenAI Rehires Thinking Machines Founders Amid Departure Controversy
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Barret Zoph and Luke Metz, cofounders of the AI lab Thinking Machines, are returning to OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, according to a memo from OpenAI’s CEO of applications, Fidji Simo, released on Wednesday, January 15, 2026.
Allegations of Unethical Conduct
The departures from Thinking Machines are occurring amidst allegations of unethical conduct leveled against Barret Zoph. Technology reporter Kylie Robison first reported on X (formerly Twitter) that Zoph was terminated for sharing confidential company details with competitors.
A source with knowledge of the situation at Thinking Machines claimed Zoph disclosed proprietary data to rival organizations. WIRED attempted to contact Zoph for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Timeline of Events
According to the memo from Fidji Simo, Zoph informed Thinking Machines CEO Mira Murati on monday, January 13, 2026, that he was contemplating leaving the company. He was afterward fired on Wednesday, January 15, 2026.Simo’s memo indicated OpenAI does not share the same concerns regarding Zoph’s conduct as Thinking Machines.
OpenAI’s Perspective
OpenAI appears to be downplaying the circumstances surrounding Zoph’s departure from Thinking Machines. Fidji Simo’s statement suggests OpenAI views the situation differently, implying they are comfortable with Zoph rejoining their team. The specific details of OpenAI’s internal assessment were not disclosed in the memo.
background on Thinking Machines
Thinking Machines was founded in 2023 by Barret Zoph and Luke Metz, both former OpenAI researchers. The lab focused on developing new AI models and techniques. Their work aimed to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence, particularly in areas like reasoning and problem-solving.