OpenAI Shake-Up: Altman's Surprise Firing, Series of Resignations, and Potential Reinstatement Amid Controversy
Summary:
This article chronicles the recent upheaval at OpenAI following the abrupt dismissal of CEO Sam Altman. Amidst significant public criticism, a series of resignations occurred, including co-founder Greg Brockman. Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, expressed dissatisfaction with Altman's firing and encouraged his reinstatement. Reports suggest that the board may be considering this, however, reinstating Altman could require issuing an apology and absolving him of any misconduct.
The tech industry was taken by surprise while Sam Altman's colleagues came to his support, as Greg Brockman, OpenAI president and co-founder at the time, revealed his departure. Amid strong public criticism from both stakeholders and staff, the board is deliberating Altman's potential comeback. Here is how it has unfolded so far.
On Thursday, November 16, OpenAI chief scientist, Ilya Sutskever, reached out to Altman intending to arrange a discussion for Friday, according to a post by Brockman on X (previously Twitter). Unraveling the timeline, Brockman also shared that OpenAI CTO, Mira Murati, was informed of Altman's impending dismissal that night.
The following day, November 17, Brockman was informed of Altman's dismissal through a text from Sutskever which came just past noon, inviting him for a conversation. Upon joining the call, Brockman was told that he was being removed from OpenAI's board but would keep his position as president. It was also communicated that Altman had been let go.
OpenAI vocalized Altman's termination in a blog post, citing the reason as his lack of consistent transparency in his dealings with the board. It was also mentioned that Murati would serve as the interim CEO.
Following this information, Microsoft, being the most significant investor and ally of OpenAI, issued a press statement addressing Altman's expulsion. Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, endeavored to soothe potential market anxieties, ensuring that this development would have no significant implications on the future partnership.
Brockman confirmed his resignation in the wake of the public declaration of Altman's removal. Post-Brockman's exit, several high-ranking leaders from OpenAI, including the head of preparedness, Aleksander Madfry, and research director Jakub Pachoki, also resigned.
On Saturday, November 18, OpenAI's chief operating officer, Brad Lightcap, confessed in an internal memo that the sudden firing announcement baffled the entire management. According to a report by The Information on the same day, Altman was already contemplating a new AI project and getting investors onboard. Rumor has it that Brockman might also join Altman in his future plans.
Bloomberg shared on November 18 that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella was highly displeased with the decision and promptly started appealing to the board for Altman's reinstatement. The Verge reported the same day that OpenAI's board had “basically” agreed to resign and rehire Altman as CEO and Brockman as president.
Bringing Altman back as CEO might necessitate an apology from the board along with a declaration absolving him of any misconduct, as per sources quoted by Bloomberg. Microsoft appears to be considering a board seat or a non-voting observer status if Altman is reinstated. Interim CEO Mira Murati, Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon, and Chief operating officer Brad Lightcap are among the top-level executives pushing for Altman's return.
On November 17, AI startup OpenAI dropped a bombshell – it had dismissed CEO Sam Altman, the brain behind viral AI-powered technologies like ChatGPT, GPT4, and image generator DallE-3.
Published At
11/20/2023 2:48:52 AM
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