Sam Altman's Dramatic Return To OpenAI As CEO Unfolds With A New Board

Amid all the chaos that unfolded in the aftermath of Sam Altman's removal as OpenAI CEO, it appears that he is returning to the company in the same capacity - as its chief executive officer.

OpenAI, the most valuable US startup, announced on Wednesday that it has reached an "agreement in principle" for Altman's return.

Reuters

What happens to the OpenAI board?

Former Salesforce CEO Bret Taylor, former US Secretary of the Treasury Larry Summers, and Quora founder Adam D¡¯Angelo will be part of the new board at OpenAI, the company said. Taylor will serve as the chair of the board.

Also read: OpenAI Faces Mass Exodus: Nearly All Staff Contemplates Departure After Sam Altman¡¯s Exit

¡°We are collaborating to figure out the details. Thank you so much for your patience through this,¡± the startup added.

Why was Altman dismissed?

Altman was abruptly dismissed from his role over a short meeting as the board showed concern over his control over the company. It also appears that the board was reportedly unhappy with how AI is being shaped at OpenAI in the context of safety and its impact on humanity.

What does Microsoft say?

Microsoft owns 49% of OpenAI and was as shocked as the rest of us when Altman was fired. In the immediate aftermath, Microsoft rushed to hire Altman in order to lead a new AI team at the tech giant. Greg Brockman, former OpenAI president and numerous employees of the startup resigned in protest of the OpenAI board's decision.

Also read: Sam Altman To Join Microsoft After Abrupt Ouster From OpenAI, Says Satya Nadella

Reuters

¡°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 Microsoft on Sunday evening, it was clear that was the best path for me and the team. With the new board and with Satya¡¯s support, I¡¯m looking forward to returning to OpenAI, and building on our strong partnership with Microsoft,¡± Altman said in a statement posted on X.

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¡­

¡ª Sam Altman (@sama) November 22, 2023

Microsoft head Satya Nadella had expressed disappointment over OpenAI board's actions last week and pledged that Microsoft will never be "shocked" again. At the same time, he saw the reinstatement of Altman and reorganisation of the board as encouraging signs.

¡°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 OAI continues to thrive and build on its mission. We look forward to building on our strong partnership and delivering the value of this next generation of AI to our customers and partners," Nadella said.

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

¡ª Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) November 22, 2023

What led to this?

OpenAI¡¯s earlier board included its chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, who was seen as the key orchestrator of Altman's removal, independent directors D¡¯Angelo, technology entrepreneur Tasha McCauley, and Georgetown Center for Security and Emerging Technology¡¯s Helen Toner. Their abrupt decision invited a lot of ire, especially in the absence of a comprehensive explanation.

Reuters

On Tuesday, Reuters reported that several OpenAI investors were exploring the option to sue the board members over their unceremonial dismissal of Altman. Former Twitch CEO Emmett Shear was appointed as the interim leader of OpenAI on Sunday. After the announcement of Altman's reinstatement, he said that he was pleased with the decision.

¡°Coming into OpenAI, I wasn¡¯t sure what the right path would be. This was the pathway that maximized safety alongside doing right by all stakeholders involved. I¡¯m glad to have been a part of the solution,¡± Shear posted on X.

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