In a stunning turn of events, Sam Altman is set to reassume his role as CEO of OpenAI, following a dramatic boardroom struggle. The turmoil began with a surprise decision by OpenAI’s board to dismiss Altman, leading to a series of rapid-fire changes that saw the company’s leadership in disarray.
Greg Brockman, previously the company’s president, resigned in protest over Altman’s initial ousting and is also making a comeback. A late Tuesday statement from OpenAI revealed a preliminary agreement for Altman’s reinstatement alongside a revamped board featuring Bret Taylor, Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo โ the latter being a carryover from the previous board.
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 ensuringโฆ https://t.co/djO6Fuz6t9
— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) November 22, 2023
The board’s new direction and Microsoft’s involvement
This newly formed board, albeit small, holds a significant mandate: to establish and endorse a larger, nine-member board. This expansion aims to restructure OpenAI’s governance. Having pledged substantial investment in OpenAI, Microsoft is keen to secure a position on this extended board. Altman himself is also expected to take a seat.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, amidst a press tour, expressed a desire for no further “surprises,” highlighting the need for stability in OpenAI’s operations.
Unresolved power dynamics and independent investigation
Despite these developments, the power struggle within OpenAI seems far from over. Both parties have consented to an independent investigation into the recent events, likely to be conducted by an external law firm.
As the dust begins to settle, key figures involved in the negotiations have publicly confirmed Altman’s return, pending some final administrative formalities. On X (formerly known as Twitter), Altman expressed his actions over the past few days as solely focused on maintaining the team’s unity and mission.
Thrive Capital’s endorsement and a brief respite
Thrive Capital, a major investor in OpenAI, has lauded Altman’s return as beneficial for the company, its employees, technology developers, and the wider world. Thrive partner Kelly Sims praised Altman and Brockman’s dedication and leadership capabilities, underscoring their pivotal role in OpenAI’s future.
Helen Toner, a central figure in the initial decision to remove Altman, briefly remarked on the resolution of these events, hinting at the exhaustion felt by those involved.
The unexpected reversal and internal tensions
Altman’s reinstatement comes as a shock, particularly considering the firm stance that OpenAI’s nonprofit board initially took. The board’s initial refusal to reinstate Altman led to a swift sequence of CEO changes and internal turmoil. OpenAI’s staff, in an unprecedented move, threatened to join Microsoft alongside Altman and Brockman if the board did not step down.
The reasons behind Altman’s initial firing remain undisclosed, despite mounting pressure from investors and employee protests. A pivotal moment in the saga was the shift in allegiance of Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI’s chief scientist and a key board member, who eventually sided with Altman after persuasion from Brockman’s wife.
Interim CEO Emmett Shear, appointed on Sunday, was at one point ready to resign unless valid reasons for Altman’s dismissal were provided. Following the announcement of Altman’s return, Shear described it as a balance between ensuring safety and fairness to all stakeholders.
we are so back pic.twitter.com/YcKwkqdNs5
— Greg Brockman (@gdb) November 22, 2023
