OpenAI is taking urgent steps to keep its top researchers after Meta successfully hired several senior team members. According to an internal message shared with Wired, OpenAI Chief Research Officer Mark Chen told employees he felt as if the company had been robbed. Chen explained that he, CEO Sam Altman, and other leaders have been working tirelessly to convince staff with competing offers to stay. They are updating compensation packages and exploring new ways to reward employees who play a critical role in advancing OpenAI’s work.
Reports over the past week have revealed that eight researchers left OpenAI to join Meta, intensifying concerns about talent loss. The departures highlight fierce competition among tech giants to secure skilled professionals in artificial intelligence. In a recent podcast interview, Altman claimed Meta was luring candidates with enormous incentives, describing the offers as including $100 million signing bonuses. However, Meta has internally denied offering bonuses at that scale.
While OpenAI has long been seen as a leader in AI development, the sudden wave of exits has sparked internal discussions about how to better retain key people. Chen assured employees that leadership is not ignoring the issue and is more engaged than ever in strengthening compensation and recognition. The company is reportedly assessing salary structures and considering other creative ways to make sure valued researchers feel motivated to stay.
The situation underscores the growing competition in Silicon Valley for AI expertise, with companies racing to attract and keep the brightest minds. As OpenAI works to secure its talent pipeline, the company’s response marks a significant shift in how it approaches compensation and employee loyalty in an increasingly aggressive job market.
