OpenAI is intensifying its efforts to capture a larger share of the enterprise AI market, aiming to catch up with competitors by 2026. The company has appointed Barret Zoph to spearhead its enterprise sales initiatives, according to an internal memo reported by The Information. TechCrunch has reached out to OpenAI for confirmation and additional details.

Zoph's return to OpenAI occurred last week, following his departure from Thinking Machine Labs, an AI startup founded by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati. At Thinking Machine Labs, Zoph served as a co-founder and CTO since October 2024. The circumstances surrounding his departure from the startup remain unclear, with speculation suggesting possibilities ranging from termination to a planned return to OpenAI.

Prior to his stint at Thinking Machine Labs, Zoph held the position of vice president of post-training inference at OpenAI from September 2022 to October 2024. His new role signifies a strategic shift for Zoph and underscores the importance OpenAI places on expanding its enterprise footprint.

OpenAI's move to strengthen its enterprise sales team comes as the company faces increasing competition in the AI solutions market. Artificial intelligence, at its core, involves creating computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Machine learning, a subset of AI, enables systems to improve from experience without explicit programming. These technologies are rapidly transforming industries, with businesses seeking to leverage AI for automation, data analysis, and enhanced customer experiences.

In 2023, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Enterprise, a product specifically tailored for business applications. However, competitors have been gaining ground, prompting OpenAI to reorganize its leadership and prioritize enterprise sales. The appointment of Zoph signals a renewed focus on capturing enterprise dollars and solidifying OpenAI's position in the competitive AI landscape. The company's next steps will likely involve further investment in its enterprise offerings and strategic partnerships to expand its reach within the business community.