John Schulman, a prominent figure in artificial intelligence and co-founder of OpenAI, has left his position at Anthropic after just six months. The departure comes as a surprise to many in the tech industry, given Schulman’s recent change from OpenAI to Anthropic in August 2024.
Schulman’s move to Anthropic had initially generated significant interest, as he was known for his extensive work in AI development and safety during his nine-year tenure at OpenAI. At Anthropic, he focused on AI alignment, which involves ensuring artificial intelligence systems operate in ways that benefit humanity. Anthropic maintains a strong market presence with annualized revenue of $875M, demonstrating the company’s significant role in AI development.
The exact reasons for Schulman’s departure from Anthropic remain undisclosed. Industry observers have speculated about potential strategic disagreements and differences in research priorities, though neither Schulman nor Anthropic has publicly commented on these theories. Chief Science Officer Jared Kaplan has expressed support for Schulman’s decision to pursue new opportunities.
The announcement of his exit came in February 2025, amid growing discussions about the future direction of AI development. This development coincides with broader industry movements, including Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI, adding to the ongoing debates about AI companies’ missions and priorities.
Schulman’s quick departure highlights the intense competition for top AI talent and the dynamic nature of the artificial intelligence sector. The timing of Schulman’s exit has sparked discussions about the challenges facing AI companies as they navigate different approaches to AI alignment and development.
His brief stint at Anthropic follows a pattern of high-profile movements within the AI industry, where leading researchers and developers frequently shift between organizations.
The AI community is now watching closely to see where Schulman will head next. His experience and expertise in AI development, particularly in safe AI technologies, make him a valuable asset in the field.
While his next career move remains unknown, his departure from Anthropic marks another significant change in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence research and development.
