Microsoft announced that Sebastien Bubeck, its vice president of artificial intelligence research, will leave the company to join OpenAI. His exact role at OpenAI remains unclear, according to a report from Reuters.
A Microsoft spokesperson commented, “Sebastien has decided to leave Microsoft to continue his work in creating AGI (artificial general intelligence).” The company also mentioned that it hopes to maintain a relationship with OpenAI through Bubeck’s future work. Bubeck himself has not provided any comments on the transition.
Microsoft Continues AI Research
While Bubeck departs, most of his co-authors from the research project on the large language model Phi will remain at Microsoft. The Phi model, known for being smaller than other comparable models, will continue to be developed under Microsoft’s AI initiatives.
OpenAI Faces Leadership Changes
Bubeck’s move comes during a period of significant turnover at OpenAI. In recent months, the company has experienced a wave of high-profile departures. Notably, chief technology officer Mira Murati left the organization in September. However, OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman clarified that these exits are unrelated to the company’s upcoming restructuring efforts, notes NIX Solutions.
We’ll keep you updated as more details emerge about Bubeck’s role and the ongoing developments at both companies.