Lilian Weng, Co-Founder of Thinking Machines, Departed for Health Reasons and Joined OpenAI
Lilian Weng, one of the founders of Thinking Machines, announced her decision to resign this week due to health-related reasons.
In a message shared via Slack and on social media, she expressed, “I realize I cannot maintain the intense pace that a startup demands. After months of reflection, I must acknowledge that the ongoing stress and workload have exceeded my health’s capacity.”
On Wednesday, OpenAI confirmed Weng’s return to the organization, where she previously held the position of Vice President of AI Safety Research.
A spokesperson from OpenAI indicated that Weng will head a premier team dedicated to advancing the company’s internal research efforts. This team will facilitate collaborative studies on recursive self-improvement, a method that enables an AI system to enhance its own capabilities progressively.
While this development might seem at odds with Weng’s remarks about the healthcare challenges posed by the fast-paced startup environment, her new role is likely to offer a less intense atmosphere, as she will no longer bear the responsibilities of a co-founder. Nevertheless, this prominent exit comes at a time when there is significant competition for top talent within AI organizations.
Mira Murati, the co-founder of Thinking Machines and former CTO of OpenAI, responded to Weng’s announcement on social media, voicing support for her decision to prioritize her health. It remains uncertain whether Murati was aware of Weng’s imminent return to OpenAI.
In her response, Murati stated, “We will miss you; collaborating on Thinky has been amazing. I’m pleased you’re prioritizing your health. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”
