As of late Tuesday night, Sam Altman has been reinstated as CEO of OpenAI following his abrupt firing by the board last Friday. Altman's return caps a tumultuous four days that saw threats of mass resignations from employees rallying behind their ousted leader.
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.
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) November 22, 2023
We are collaborating to figure out the details. Thank you so much for your patience through this.
The internal announcement of Altman's return was met with jubilation among staff, culminating in a spontaneous celebration at OpenAI's office. This moment of relief and unity underscores the deep respect and loyalty Altman commands within the organization.
As OpenAI’s chief since 2019, Altman had been instrumental in spearheading AI advances and forging key partnerships, most notably Microsoft’s $10 billion investment. But simmering internal tensions spilled over last week when Altman and President Greg Brockman were suddenly removed without explanation.
Outrage ensued as directors refused to clarify reasons to blindsided staff. Employees retaliated with a bold ultimatum: Reinstate Altman and Brockman or watch OpenAI’s entire workforce depart for Microsoft’s welcoming arms. By Tuesday night, the board finally acquiesced.
The resolution, reached late Tuesday, involves significant changes to OpenAI's governance. Altman and former president Greg Brockman will not return to their board positions. Instead, a new three-member board, including Quora CEO Adam D'Angelo, former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor, and ex-Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, will oversee the organization. This reorganization aims to balance control and ensure ongoing trust among stakeholders.
As part of the agreement, Altman consented to an internal probe into alleged conduct that instigated his firing. This move signals a commitment to transparency and accountability within OpenAI's ranks. For now, the company will maintain its dual structure of a nonprofit overseeing a for-profit arm, a model essential for its complex AI development and business operations.
While Altman’s return resolves immediate instability, difficult questions persist. This week's upheaval has not only tested OpenAI's internal dynamics but also its external relationships. Investors and partners, including significant backers like Microsoft, watched closely as the company's future hung in the balance. Altman's reinstatement marks a crucial step in stabilizing these relationships and reaffirming investor confidence. Lingering internal rifts require mending as well.
We are encouraged by the changes to the OpenAI board. We believe this is a first essential step on a path to more stable, well-informed, and effective governance. Sam, Greg, and I have talked and agreed they have a key role to play along with the OAI leadership team in ensuring… https://t.co/djO6Fuz6t9
— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) November 22, 2023
Altman expressed gratitude for the support from Microsoft, emphasizing a renewed commitment to OpenAI's mission in partnership with the tech giant. This crisis, while challenging, has demonstrated the resilience and dedication of OpenAI's team and its leadership. As the dust settles, the focus now shifts to moving forward, with Altman at the helm once again, steering the company through a rapidly evolving and competitive AI landscape.