Topline
OpenAI has reached a tentative deal to allow for Sam Altman to return as the company’s CEO and form a new board of directors, the company announced early Wednesday, signaling an end to nearly a week of drama triggered by Altman’s shock ouster by the company’s previous board.
File Photo: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks during the OpenAI DevDay event in San Francisco, … [+]
Key Facts
The company announced the move on X, saying Altman has agreed to return as CEO and the company will have a new “initial board” chaired by Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor.
Other board members include former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo.
In a post on X, Altman wrote he loves OpenAI and “everything I’ve done over the past few days has been in service of keeping this team and its mission together.”
The returning CEO said he believed his decision to join Microsoft on Sunday night was the “best path” for himself and the team.
But with a new board and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s support Altman said he is “looking forward to returning” to the company and “building on our strong partnership” with the Windows maker.
OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman also announced he’ll be returning to the company on X, just days after stepping down as President in response to Altman’s firing.
Crucial Quote
Nadella also praised the decision, tweeting: “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 OAI continues to thrive and build on its mission. We look forward to building on our strong partnership.”
Tangent
Emmett Shear, who was hired as interim CEO on Sunday night said he was “deeply pleased” with the outcome adding: “This was the pathway that maximized safety alongside doing right by all stakeholders involved. I’m glad to have been a part of the solution.”