Lilian Weng Leaves Thinking Machines for Health Reasons and Joins OpenAI
Lilian Weng, co-founder of AI startup Thinking Machines, has stepped down from the company citing health concerns. In an internal message shared publicly on X, she explained that the stress and workload had become unsustainable. Shortly after her departure, it was announced that Weng would rejoin OpenAI in a leadership role focused on advancing research into recursive self-improvement of AI systems. Weng previously served as VP of AI Safety Research at OpenAI before co-founding Thinking Machines. Her return to the company highlights ongoing competition for top talent among major AI labs, despite her earlier concerns about startup intensity affecting health. Mira Murati, another former OpenAI executive and co-founder of Thinking Machines, publicly supported Weng’s decision but it is unclear if she was aware of her rejoining.
Topics: AI health issues OpenAI startups Thinking Machines