Sam Altman was reinstated as CEO of OpenAI on Tuesday night, just five days after being fired by the company's board of directors. The surprising news not only brings back Altman but also marks a series of significant changes to the board of directors of the pioneering artificial intelligence company.
The company's official statement reveals that Altman will return as CEO, and Bret Taylor, former co-CEO of Salesforce, will chair the board. In addition, the board will undergo additional changes with the addition of new prominent figures, including Lawrence Summers and Adam D'Angelo, CEO of Quora.
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.
We are collaborating to figure out the details. Thank you so much for your patience through this.
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) November 22, 2023
Although the exact details of the deal are still being finalized, this development ends days of uncertainty and turmoil in the artificial intelligence industry, marked by internal negotiations over OpenAI's future leadership and management of the company.
Altman's dismissal
Altman's abrupt ouster was initially blamed on an alleged lack of transparency. Still, sources close to the situation told Reuters that the main factor was fundamental differences between Altman and the original board over the company's strategic direction.
According to the report, the original board advocated a cautious approach, while Altman hoped to enter the market more quickly. Tension between the parties increased after several researchers sent a letter to the board warning of the discovery of an AI that "could threaten humanity."
After Altman's firing was announced, Microsoft hired him to lead a new AI research team. However, shortly afterward, a revolt broke out among OpenAI employees, who threatened to move to Microsoft if the board did not resign and reinstate Altman.
A project called Q*
A Reuters report notes that the creator of ChatGPT improved a project called Q*, which some think could be a significant advance toward superintelligence. This project would be part of OpenAI's quest to achieve artificial general intelligence (AGI), which integrates AI systems that could be smarter than humans.
Altman returns with enthusiasm
Sam Altman expressed his excitement about returning via social media, highlighting OpenAI's strong partnership with Microsoft, the company's largest financial backer.
"With the new board and with Satya's (CEO of Microsoft) support, I'm looking forward to returning to OpenAI, and building on our strong partnership," he said.
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…
— Sam Altman (@sama) November 22, 2023
Satya Nadella also released a statement applauding OpenAI's move and confirming the partnership with Sam to ensure "OAI continues to thrive and build on its mission."
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
