OpenAI Poaches Former xAI CFO as Compute Spending Czar, Fueling Musk Rivalry

Sep 17, 2025
CNBC
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Summary

OpenAI fuels rivalry with Elon Musk by hiring former xAI CFO Mike Liberatore as compute spending czar, bringing expertise in securing billions for data center expansion.

Key Points

  • OpenAI hires Mike Liberatore, former xAI CFO, as business finance officer to oversee compute spending
  • Liberatore arranged $10 billion in financing and data center expansion at xAI before leaving in July
  • The hiring escalates the rivalry between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Elon Musk, former friends turned bitter rivals

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