Altman Reinstated as OpenAI CEO Amid Employee Resignation Threats, Company Forms New Board

OpenAI’s co-founder, Sam Altman, is stepping down as CEO, paving the way for a new board to be formed to find his successor. The announcement came after discussions between Altman and the current board on Friday. Altman expressed his commitment to OpenAI and revealed his plans to focus on coding starting tonight.

In a statement, OpenAI mentioned, “We are excited to announce an agreement to form a new initial board with Bret Taylor (Chairman), Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo along with the new CEO, who will be selected in partnership with OpenAI. Greg Brockman stated that Altman remains connected with OpenAI and will start coding tonight.

Providing insights into stepping down, Sam Altman shared his recent involvement with OpenAI and the team’s efforts to align mission and vision. He expressed eagerness to strengthen the partnership with Microsoft through the new board and continued support.

Microsoft’s Interest in OpenAI Leadership Raises Questions Among Employees

Following Microsoft’s announcement that they are hiring both co-founders, Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, employees are curious about their roles within the company. When asked about it, Altman responded, “It’s up to the OpenAI board, management, and employees to decide.”

Altman is optimistic about both options. Microsoft, known for its continuous innovation, has entered into a specific partnership with OpenAI. In Microsoft’s OpenAI board seat, Altman emphasized the need for clarity in governance.

We have reached an agreement in principle for Sam Altman to return to OpenAI as CEO with a new initial board of Bret Taylor (Chair), Larry Summers, and Adam D'Angelo.

We are collaborating to figure out the details. Thank you so much for your patience through this.

— OpenAI (@OpenAI) November 22, 2023

Satya Nadella’s Interest in Hiring OpenAI’s Leadership

Even though Satya Nadella denied his company’s interest on Monday, it was later revealed that Microsoft is actively recruiting OpenAI’s co-founders, Sam Altman and Greg Brockman. Nadella mentioned that they are in the process of hiring both for their new Advanced AI Research Team. Some employees are expected to join as well.

Altman Declines Microsoft’s Offer, Maintains Commitment to OpenAI

Despite Nadella’s denial, Altman was interviewed by CNBC. When directly asked if Sam and OpenAI’s 700 employees will join Microsoft, Altman replied, “It’s up to the OpenAI board, management, and employees to decide.”

Altman assured that he is ready for both options. To foster innovation, Microsoft desires constant freshness and has entered into a specific partnership with OpenAI. In Microsoft’s OpenAI board seat, Altman emphasized the need for clarity in governance.

Employees at OpenAI express readiness for either scenario. Altman, who was removed from OpenAI after a video call, received a threat from the board. Mira Murati, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), also resigned, echoing the board’s warning. Emmett Shear, the former CEO of Twitch, is appointed as OpenAI’s new CEO.

i love openai, and everything i’ve done over the past few days has been in service of keeping this team and its mission together. when i decided to join msft on sun evening, it was clear that was the best path for me and the team. with the new board and w satya’s support, i’m…

— Sam Altman (@sama) November 22, 2023

Emmett Shear: Co-founder of Twitch and New CEO of OpenAI

Emmett Shear, born in 1983, is an American entrepreneur. He graduated in Computer Science from Yale University in 2005.

In 2003, Shear founded the live video streaming platform Twitch, becoming its CEO in August 2011. In 2014, Amazon acquired Twitch for approximately 8 billion rupees. Shear resigned as CEO in March 2023.