The co-founder of OpenAI and brain behind ChatGPT, Sam Altman, is set to return to the company as CEO after a few days of drama that saw his exit. Reports indicate that serious negotiations occurred with the OpenAI board throughout Tuesday preceding Altman’s announcement on Wednesday morning. Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, showed support for Altman’s return to OpenAI just two days after his firing by the board through an announcement on Monday that Altman and his team from OpenAI would be joining Microsoft.
In a post on X Wednesday morning, Altman stated that he loves OpenAI and everything he had done over the past few days was in service of keeping the team and its mission together. He revealed that his decision to join Microsoft on Sunday evening two days after being fired was the best path for him and the team. With the new board and Satya’s support, Altman said he is looking forward to returning to OpenAI and building on their strong partnership with Microsoft.
OpenAI also confirmed in a short statement that it has reached an agreement in principle for Altman to return as CEO with a new board of Bret Taylor as Chair, Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo. The company acknowledged that they are still collaborating to figure out the details of the return but thanked everyone for their patience through the difficult time.
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The negotiation to reinstate Altman came after the majority of OpenAI employees threatened to quit if Altman was not reinstated, among other demands. Anna Makanju, the company’s VP of Global Affairs, sent a memo to staff saying that OpenAI had been in intense discussions with the board, Altman, and the Acting CEO Shear to unify the company. The board had come under intense scrutiny for firing Altman, claiming that the CEO was not consistent in his communication. However, there were no allegations of malfeasance or safety concerns, leaving an information vacuum.
In response to the firing, hundreds of OpenAI staff members threatened to quit unless Altman was returned, creating chaos that forced the board to rethink their actions. The situation has now been resolved, and Altman is set to return to lead OpenAI.
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