I mean, anecdotally, most non-tech friends and family I know probably have heard of ChatGPT, but they don't know any of the founders or leadership team at OpenAI.
On the other hand, since I work in the field, all of my AI research friends/colleagues would know Ilya's work, and probably think of Sam more as a business guy.
In that sense, as far as attracting and maintaining AI researcher talent, I think it's arguable that people would prefer Ilya to Sam.
Wall Street Journal front page, top item right this minute: "Sam Altman Is Out at OpenAI After Board Skirmish"
Times Of London front page, right this minute: "Sam Altman sacked by OpenAI after directors lose confidence in him"
The Australian front page, right now: "OpenAI pushes out co-founder Sam Altman as CEO"
MSNBC front page, right now: "OpenAI says Sam Altman exiting as CEO, was 'not consistently candid' with board"
That's his name right there, front page news around the world - they assume people know his name, that's why they put it there.
If I asked my mom who Sam Altman was, she'd have no idea. Most of my friends wouldn't either, even some who work in tech. Having one's name in headlines isn't the same as being a household name.
In any case, I feel like we largely agree, so I'm confused as to why your reply focused solely on this small detail, in a rather condescending manner, while missing my larger point about retaining and attracting AI talent.