OpenAI Hires Ex-xAI CFO Amid Intensifying AI Competition

OpenAI has hired Mike Liberatore, previously the Chief Financial Officer at Elon Musk’s xAI, to serve as its new business finance officer. Starting September 16, 2025, Liberatore will manage OpenAI’s major investments in AI infrastructure, reporting to CFO Sarah Friar and working under President Greg Brockman. His move comes after a short three-month role at xAI, where he led a $5 billion debt raise and secured an equal amount in equity, partly funded by Musk’s SpaceX.

This high-profile hire adds fuel to the ongoing tension between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but left in 2018. Musk, now heading xAI, has filed lawsuits against OpenAI, claiming it abandoned its nonprofit mission to prioritize profit. OpenAI fired back with a countersuit, accusing Musk of trying to sabotage its work. The feud has only grown, with Musk recently criticizing Apple for allegedly favoring OpenAI’s ChatGPT over xAI’s Grok in partnerships.

Liberatore’s jump to OpenAI highlights the intense competition for top talent in the AI industry. With nearly nine years at Airbnb and past leadership roles at SquareTrade, eBay, and PayPal, he brings deep financial expertise to help OpenAI scale its operations. Meanwhile, xAI is grappling with instability after losing key executives, including co-founder Igor Babuschkin and general counsel Robert Keele.

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OpenAI is also strengthening its tech team, recently naming Statsig CEO Vijaye Raji as its tech chief for applications to boost its AI product development. As both companies race to lead the AI field, Liberatore’s hiring signals OpenAI’s determination to stay ahead with strong financial and technical leadership. The clash between Musk and Altman continues to ripple through the tech world, shaping the future of AI innovation and competition.