It is quite evident that OpenAI is going through a tough time. First, they fired the former CEO, Sam Altman, who has been the face of AI technology for the last few years, citing communication issues and appointing Mira Murati as the interim CEO. However, the company’s board didn’t inform the employees or the investors about its decision.
Stakeholders Are Pressuring The Board To Bring Back Altman
Following this, the stakeholders pressured the board to bring back Altman, who was open to coming back given some governance changes in the company, but that didn’t happen either. Yesterday, the board replaced Murati with Emmett Shear as the new interim CEO.
On November 20, 2023, journalist Kara Swisher shared a letter written by OpenAI employees to the board of directors, mentioning how the board’s actions indicate that “it is incapable of overseeing OpenAI” and that they won’t work for people who “lack competence, judgment, and care for our mission and employees.” In conclusion, the employees wrote that they might resign from the company and join the “newly announced Microsoft subsidiary” with Altman and Brockman, along with several top OpenAI researchers.
OpenAI In “Immense Discussions” With Altman And Others
Interestingly, the employees who signed this letter included Mira Murati, the former interim CEO of OpenAI, Brad Lightcap, and Jason Kwon, among others. Today, a report published by Bloomberg says that OpenAI, after internal turmoil, is currently in “immense discussion” to unify its staff, citing Vice President of Global Affairs Anna Makanju’s memo aimed at anxious employees. Although the company’s management is in touch with Altman, they aren’t prepared to give a final response.
Investors Are Still In Favor Of Altman Returning To The Company
The company is also experiencing external pressure to reinstate Altman as its CEO. Although Microsoft hired him and other key people to lead an advanced AI research team, other investors like Thrive Capital are actively trying to reinforce Altman in the company. Surprisingly, Satya Nadella has also said he wouldn’t oppose Altman’s return, which is confusing, given that he just hired him as the CEO of a new department in his company. Meanwhile, Microsoft remains committed to its relationship with OpenAI, saying it will continue working with the company.
On November 20, Altman took to his official X account, saying, “We have more unity and commitment and focus than ever before,” where “we” could refer to his camp willing to resign from OpenAI if the company doesn’t bring back Altman. In another tweet, he wrote, “Satya and my top priority remains to ensure OpenAI continues to thrive.” It makes sense, given that the company has achieved remarkable advancements in AI technology and helped Microsoft compete with its rivals.
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