Late at night on the 21st local time, OpenAI, an American artificial intelligence research company, issued a document announcing an agreement in principle. The document stated that Sam Altman would return to the company and resume his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Simultaneously, OpenAI shared the news on social media, declaring, “We have reached an agreement in principle for Altman to return to OpenAI as CEO. He will work alongside Bret Taylor, Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo to form the new initial board. We are currently collaborating to finalize the details. We appreciate your patience.”
Altman Expresses Love for OpenAI and Outlines Reasons for Recent Actions
Sam Altman responded on social media, expressing his love for OpenAI and explaining that his recent actions were aimed at aligning the team and its mission. Altman highlighted his decision to join Microsoft on the 18th, emphasizing that it was the best path at that time. With the support of the new board, Altman eagerly anticipated returning to OpenAI and strengthening the partnership with Microsoft. Co-founder Greg Brockman forwarded the news, stating, “Amazing progress has been made today, and we will be stronger and more united than ever.”
Bloomberg Reports Ongoing Negotiations Involving Altman
According to a Bloomberg report on the 22nd, sources familiar with the matter revealed ongoing negotiations involving Altman, interim CEO Emmett Shear, and at least one board member, Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo. The talks also included discussions with OpenAI investors, many of whom advocated for Altman’s return.
Providing context to the recent developments, on May 16, 2023, Sam Altman, then CEO of OpenAI, attended a hearing held by the Privacy, Technology, and Law Committee under the Senate Judiciary Committee. However, on November 17, 2023, OpenAI abruptly announced Altman’s dismissal, leading to a series of shocks. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella revealed on the 20th that Altman, along with former president Greg Brockman and their colleagues, would join Microsoft to lead a new senior management team in the Artificial Intelligence Research Team.
Addressing the aftermath, more than 700 OpenAI employees signed a joint letter on the same day, urging the company’s board of directors to resign. Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott took to social media on the 21st, welcoming all employees considering leaving OpenAI to join Microsoft, assuring them of positions with a “matching salary.”
In an interview with CNBC later on the 20th, Nadella expressed Microsoft’s clear choice to cooperate with OpenAI and its desire for continued collaboration. He added, “Of course, the situation depends on whether OpenAI employees choose to stay at Microsoft. I’m open to both options.”
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