OpenAI CEO Sam Altman dismissed claims on Thursday that the recent departures of three senior executives were connected to a planned restructuring of the company.
This follows the abrupt resignation of longtime Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati on Wednesday, with senior research executives Barret Zoph and Bob McGrew also announcing their exits shortly afterward.
On the same day, reports surfaced that OpenAI was preparing to restructure its core business into a for-profit benefit corporation, removing control from its non-profit board—a move aimed at attracting more investors.
Speaking at the Italian Tech Week conference in Turin, Altman refuted any connection between the personnel changes and the restructuring, calling such reports “totally not true.” He emphasized that the restructuring had been under board consideration for nearly a year, independently of the executive departures.
Altman praised the departing executives and expressed enthusiasm for simplifying the company’s structure. He noted that this transition would allow him to become more involved with technical staff.
The proposed restructuring remains under negotiation, with the completion timeline still uncertain, according to sources.
