NextFin news, Meta Platforms, headquartered in Menlo Park, California, saw multiple AI researchers resign on Thursday, August 28, 2025, with many joining OpenAI, a leading competitor in artificial intelligence development. This exodus includes high-profile AI scientists such as Avi Verma, Ethan Knight, and Rishabh Agarwal, who left shortly after joining Meta's newly formed Superintelligence Labs (MSL).

The departures come amid Meta's aggressive investment in AI, including the $14.3 billion acquisition of Scale AI and the establishment of MSL earlier this year. The division aims to develop advanced AI capabilities, including superintelligence, but has faced internal restructuring and management challenges that have contributed to talent turnover.

Shengjia Zhao, Meta's chief AI scientist and a co-creator of OpenAI's ChatGPT, reportedly threatened to resign and rejoin OpenAI, highlighting the competitive environment for AI talent. Meta's director of product management for generative AI, Chaya Nayak, also left for OpenAI, underscoring the trend of AI professionals seeking mission-driven roles over high compensation.

Meta spokesperson Andy Stone described the recent hiring freeze and restructuring as routine updates while the company plans for 2026. Despite these challenges, Meta continues to invest heavily in AI, with Alexandr Wang, former CEO of Scale AI, leading the Superintelligence Labs.

The wave of resignations raises questions about Meta's ability to retain top AI talent and maintain stability within its AI division as it competes in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Sources for this report include AInvest, The Economic Times, and Tech in Asia.

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