OpenAI's Reset: Sam Altman Returns as CEO

Key Points

OpenAI undergoes a major reset as Sam Altman makes a comeback, reclaiming the CEO position amidst recent leadership turmoil.

A reconfigured board, including Bret Taylor, Larry Summers, and Adam D'Angelo, is tasked with appointing a larger board to stabilize OpenAI's governance.

Microsoft's significant investment and support play a key role, with Altman's return signaling a shift towards a renewed focus on AI innovation.

By Bogdana Zujic

Published on November 22, 2023

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OpenAI, credit: Mojahid Mottakin

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In an unexpected twist, OpenAI is going through a major leadership shift, with Sam Altman returning as CEO after a recent upheaval that shook up the company. The trouble started when Altman was kicked out by the Board of Directors, leading to protests and some top people leaving.

Greg Brockman, the former president who quit in protest when Altman was let go, is also coming back. OpenAI announced on Tuesday they have a "deal in principle" for Altman to return, along with a changed board including Bret Taylor, Larry Summers, and Adam D'Angelo.

OpenAI announcement on its X account, credit OpenAI

The new board's main job is to carefully pick and appoint a bigger board, up to 9 members, to reset how OpenAI is run. Microsoft, a big investor putting a lot of money into the company, wants a say on the expanded board alongside Altman. Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, recently said they don't want any more surprises in OpenAI's leadership.

As reported by The Verge, the initial board's main task is to carefully choose and appoint this bigger board, possibly with 9 members. Microsoft is expected to get a spot on this board, showing how much they've invested in OpenAI.

This all comes after tough negotiations and threats of people quitting, with Emmett Shear, the interim CEO, asking for proof of Altman's firing. With support from Microsoft, Altman, and Brockman's return should calm down the upset that many employees had thought about leaving for Microsoft if the old board didn't step down.

Altman has confirmed his return to OpenAI, marking the first public acknowledgment of his association with Microsoft. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has confirmed this development, signifying Microsoft's approval of Altman's return to OpenAI. Holding a 49% ownership stake and having invested over $13 billion, Microsoft played a pivotal role in these negotiations.

With Altman back and a new leadership setup, OpenAI hopes to shift the focus from internal problems to what they do best—making strides in artificial intelligence. The goal is to get back on track and keep making news for their advancements in AI.