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Helen Barklam
Helen Barklam is a journalist and writer with more than 25 years experience. Helen has worked in a wide range of different sectors, including health and wellness, sport, digital marketing, home design and finance.
OpenAI has appointed Irina Kofman, a former executive at Meta Platforms Inc., to lead its strategic initiatives, marking another significant recruitment from a major tech company as the artificial intelligence startup continues to expand.
Kofman, who joined OpenAI recently, will be focusing on safety and preparedness, reporting directly to the company’s Chief Technology Officer, Mira Murati, according to a spokesperson. Kofman brings with her a wealth of experience, having spent five years at Meta, where she most recently served as Senior Director of Product Management for Generative AI.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has declined to comment on Kofman’s departure. The social media giant has been heavily investing in artificial intelligence, particularly in enhancing its advertising business. By leveraging algorithms to optimise ad placement and providing marketers with AI tools, Meta aims to create more effective advertising campaigns.
The move to hire Kofman is part of a broader trend where AI startups like OpenAI are increasingly bringing on board seasoned leaders from larger tech companies. These hires are particularly prominent in the social media sector, as startups seek to scale up and compete with industry giants such as Alphabet Inc.’s Google and Meta.
Earlier this year, OpenAI also welcomed Kevin Weil, a former executive at Instagram and Twitter, as Chief Product Officer, and Sarah Friar, the former Chief Executive Officer of Nextdoor, as Chief Financial Officer. The trend is not limited to OpenAI; its rival, Anthropic, also tapped into big tech talent by recruiting Instagram co-founder Mike Krieger as Chief Product Officer in May.
Despite these high-profile appointments, OpenAI has also experienced notable departures. Co-founder John Schulman and renowned researcher Jan Leike both left the company recently to join Anthropic, highlighting the competitive landscape in the AI sector.
As OpenAI continues to grow and solidify its position in the AI industry, the recruitment of experienced leaders like Kofman underscores the company’s commitment to safety, preparedness, and innovation in a rapidly evolving field.
Helen Barklam is a journalist and writer with more than 25 years experience. Helen has worked in a wide range of different sectors, including health and wellness, sport, digital marketing, home design and finance.