Chaya Nayak Joins OpenAI After a Decade at Meta

Chaya Nayak, one of the leading figures in artificial intelligence at Meta, has confirmed her departure after nearly ten years with the company to join OpenAI. This transition represents another notable exit from Mark Zuckerberg’s AI team, as the race for top talent in the tech sector escalates.

A Journey Through AI at Meta

In a thoughtful LinkedIn post, Nayak reflected on her decade-long experience at the social media powerhouse. She recalled her initial weeks at Facebook, explaining how she initially aimed to propel the Data for Good initiative, which showcased the positive implications of data and AI/ML. What began as a bold experiment ultimately laid the groundwork for her professional journey.

Developing AI for Social Good

Throughout her tenure at Meta, Nayak was instrumental in leading initiatives that utilised data and machine learning to address urgent global challenges. She significantly contributed to the Data for Good programme, which aimed to leverage AI for societal benefits, and later managed the Facebook Open Research and Transparency (FORT) team. This group focused on creating privacy-protective tools for academic studies regarding the platform’s effects.

Her key achievements included the development of Disaster Maps, aimed at aiding communities in need, and research on the platform’s influence on democratic processes, particularly in relation to the 2020 US elections. Nayak emphasised that Meta allowed her the opportunity to create products that made a difference in times of crisis.

Shifting Focus to Generative AI

In recent years, Nayak redirected her efforts towards generative AI, taking a leading role in the creation of three iterations of Llama and Meta AI models. She expressed that in the past two and a half years, she concentrated on GenAI, tackling complex challenges rapidly and envisioning the implications of the next wave of AI for society.

In reflecting on her personal development, she mentioned, “During this journey, I evolved as a leader. I gained confidence, the audacity to pursue bold ideas, and resilience in face of setbacks. Most importantly, I formed lasting connections with colleagues and friends who continually motivated me.”

Embarking on a New Journey with OpenAI

Nayak is preparing to join OpenAI, where she will collaborate with Irina Kofman on Special Initiatives. She believes this new role is an ideal continuation of her journey, enabling her to apply her acquired knowledge towards impactful work that will shape the future of technology and society.

Concluding her announcement on a hopeful note, she stated, “The journey isn’t over. This is merely a new chapter.”

The Ongoing Shift of Talent from Meta

Nayak’s exit reflects a broader trend of turnover within Meta’s AI division. Recent reports revealed that several members from Meta’s Superintelligence Labs, including Rishabh Agarwal, Avi Verma, and Ethan Knight, departed within close succession. Both Verma and Knight have subsequently aligned with OpenAI, while Agarwal described his decision to leave a high-paying role as a difficult choice inspired by the desire for a different kind of challenge.

Nayak’s move highlights the ongoing competition for AI talent, as OpenAI continues to attract distinguished researchers from competing organisations. For Meta, replacing leaders of Nayak’s expertise will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge.