OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence startup, has officially brought on Mike Liberatore as its new Business Finance Officer. Liberatore, who previously served as the finance chief for Elon Musk’s rival AI venture, xAI, will be crucial in managing OpenAI’s expanding AI infrastructure, a company spokesperson confirmed this Tuesday.
Interestingly, Liberatore’s tenure at xAI was brief, lasting only three months until his departure in July. At OpenAI, he will report directly to CFO Sarah Friar and collaborate closely with Greg Brockman’s team, focusing on enhancing and scaling the company’s crucial computing resources.
The news, initially broken by CNBC, indicates Liberatore’s new role at OpenAI began this Tuesday.
With a strong background that includes a leadership role at Airbnb, Liberatore played a significant part in xAI’s recent financial activities, including a substantial $5 billion debt raise in June and another $5 billion strategic equity investment.
This key appointment unfolds against a backdrop of intense competition between OpenAI and Musk’s xAI, highlighting the ongoing, fierce struggle among major tech players to secure top-tier AI talent.
The move also adds another layer to the ongoing legal disputes between the two AI giants. Last year, Elon Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, sued the company and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging a departure from its foundational mission. In response, OpenAI filed a countersuit against Musk in April, citing harassment.