Sam Altman Set to Resume Role as OpenAI CEO after Board Overhaul
Karobar
In a surprising turn of events, Sam Altman is poised to reclaim his position as the CEO of OpenAI, as the AI startup announced on Wednesday. This marks a significant reversal following Altman's abrupt dismissal last week from the startup he co-founded, leading to intense discussions and debates over the past five days.
OpenAI, currently the most valuable U.S. startup, revealed that an "agreement in principle" has been reached for Altman's return. As part of this restructuring, the board is undergoing changes, with the removal of several members who faced scrutiny for their previous decision.
Returning to OpenAI & getting back to coding tonight. — Greg Brockman (@gdb) November 22, 2023
The new board at the AI startup will include former Salesforce co-chief executive Bret Taylor, former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Larry Summers, and Quora founder Adam D’Angelo. Taylor is set to serve as the board's chair, according to the startup.
Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI with over $11 billion invested and about 49% ownership, was taken aback by Altman's dismissal last week. In response, the tech giant hastily hired Altman to lead a new AI group. Former President of OpenAI, Greg Brockman, and other members resigned in protest. Notably, Brockman, who had also joined Microsoft, is now returning to OpenAI.
Altman expressed his commitment to OpenAI, stating, "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." Microsoft chief Satya Nadella expressed encouragement for the changes in the OpenAI board, emphasizing the importance of stable governance.
we are so back pic.twitter.com/YcKwkqdNs5 — Greg Brockman (@gdb) November 22, 2023
Nadella mentioned in television interviews earlier this week that Microsoft would work with Altman and Brockman regardless of their status with OpenAI. He emphasized Microsoft's commitment to the startup, known for its ChatGPT platform, which has garnered global attention.
OpenAI, a leader in the current AI race, has become a significant player for startups building on its software offerings. Altman's return is seen as a positive move by investors, including Joshua Kushner of Thrive Capital, who sees OpenAI as having the "potential to be one of the most consequential companies in the history of computing."
Despite this positive development, OpenAI's previous board faced public scrutiny for their sudden decision, prompting some investors to explore legal options. Altman and Brockman's return is viewed as a pivotal moment for the company's future and its impact on the tech landscape.
