OpenAI has hired Keith Heyde, a former senior leader at Meta, to work on the ambitious Stargate project aimed at developing advanced AI infrastructure in the United States. According to Datacenter Dynamics, Heyde joined OpenAI in November 2024, though this news has only recently surfaced.
Extensive Experience at Meta
At Meta, Heyde managed the supply chain for computing and storage systems designed for AI operations. His role included overseeing Meta’s first AI cluster, which featured approximately 100,000 accelerators. He also led three teams focused on working with suppliers of rack solutions and servers, showcasing his deep expertise in AI hardware logistics. Heyde’s tenure at Meta lasted nearly four years, following his work at Wing, Alphabet’s division specializing in unmanned aerial delivery systems.
Stargate Project Details
Although Heyde’s exact role within OpenAI’s Stargate initiative remains unspecified, his background suggests he will likely handle equipment supplies and infrastructure planning. Stargate is an expansive project with an ambitious goal: Microsoft and OpenAI plan to build a $100 billion data center campus to address the most resource-intensive challenges in AI development.
Additionally, Stargate has evolved into a joint venture between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle. Together, they aim to create both physical and virtual infrastructure for next-generation AI. Key partners include Microsoft, Arm, Nvidia, and the MGX fund from the Middle East. SoftBank and OpenAI have each pledged $19 billion in initial investments, with the total projected investment reaching $500 billion over four years.
The deployment of this large-scale AI infrastructure has already commenced in Texas, adds NIXSolutions. Heyde’s involvement in such a groundbreaking initiative underscores the importance of experienced leadership in achieving Stargate’s ambitious goals.
We’ll keep you updated as more details about Heyde’s role and the Stargate project emerge.