OpenAI just hired back another employee from Mira Murati's Thinking Machines Lab
Business Insider
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
OpenAI has recently rehired Jolene Parish, an employee who previously worked at Thinking Machines Lab (TML), following a series of high-profile departures from the $12 billion AI startup. This move comes amid ongoing poaching by larger tech companies, with OpenAI actively recruiting talent from TML. Parish's return highlights a trend where former OpenAI employees are leaving TML to rejoin the company, signaling a competitive landscape in the AI sector.
The exodus from TML began last month when two co-founders, Barret Zoph and Luke Metz, along with researchers Sam Schoenholz and Lia Guy, all left for OpenAI. These departures follow Andrew Tulloch's move to Meta earlier in the year. The Information reported these developments, underscoring the challenges TML faces in retaining its star-studded talent pool, which includes notable figures like Neal Wu and Soumith Chintala.
Thinking Machines Lab, valued at $12 billion after raising $2 billion, has attracted top-tier talent but is struggling to keep them. OpenAI's aggressive recruitment strategy, leveraging former employees' connections, poses a significant challenge. This dynamic reflects broader competition in the AI industry, where companies are willing to poach talent to maintain their competitive edge.
The situation raises questions about TML's ability to sustain its ambitious goals despite high turnover. While the company has secured substantial funding and launched products like Tinker, it must address retention issues to continue attracting and retaining top talent. OpenAI's success in rehiring key personnel may impact TML's long-term trajectory, potentially affecting innovation and growth.
For businesses following this sector, these developments underscore the importance of talent management in high-stakes industries. The competition for skilled AI professionals is fierce, with major players like OpenAI and TML vying for top talent to drive advancements in artificial intelligence. This trend will likely intensify as the industry evolves, shaping the future of technology and innovation.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/20/2026