OpenAI hires rival xAI’s ex-CFO

OpenAI has appointed Mike Liberatore, the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Elon Musk's xAI, as its new business finance officer, according to a recent report by Reuters.

Liberatore, who left xAI in July after just three months, will now oversee AI infrastructure finance at OpenAI and report to Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar, states an OpenAI representative who spoke to Reuters.

Liberatore brings significant experience from his previous roles at xAI and Airbnb. During his brief tenure at Musk's startup, he played a key role in securing a $5 billion debt raise and a separate $5 billion equity investment.

The hiring highlights the intense competition for top AI talent among leading tech firms. It also adds a new layer to the ongoing rivalry between OpenAI and xAI. Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, sued the company last year, alleging it had strayed from its original mission. OpenAI later countersued, accusing Musk of harassment.

Liberatore begins his new role immediately, according to sources familiar with the matter.