- Sam Altman joins Microsoft
- OpenAI employees threaten resignation
- Board accused of mishandling
In response to the announcement that Sam Altman would be joining a new advanced AI research team, potentially attracting hundreds of OpenAI employees, Microsoft shares surged to an all-time high.
According to former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the primary objective shared by himself and Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, is to assure the sustained success of OpenAI.
Altman’s Unexpected Termination
Following his unannounced dismissal as CEO of the artificial intelligence (AI) firm that developed ChatGPT, a revolutionary generative chatbot utilized by millions, Microsoft has appointed Mr. Altman as its new CEO.
The American technology giant has invested billions of dollars in OpenAI and has been a close associate of the company.
More than 500 OpenAI employees have threatened to resign if neither Mr. Altman nor the board of directors are reinstated.
Mr. Altman was terminated on Friday by the board of the non-profit organization, which alleged he “lacked consistency in his candor in his communications with the board.”
US media agencies reported firing Altman from the organization due to disagreements about artificial intelligence security.
Emmett Shear, the interim CEO of the company, refuted this claim in an article published on X, formerly Twitter: “The board’s decision to remove Sam was not based on any particular safety dispute; their rationale was entirely different.”
Microsoft Hires Altman for AI Research
Microsoft hired Mr. Altman and company president Greg Brockman on Monday morning to collaborate on a new advanced AI research initiative.
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Mr. Altman stated on X, formerly Twitter, that he and Mr. Nadella “are fully committed to providing our partners and customers with continuity of operations.” The partnership between OpenAI and Microsoft renders this task highly feasible.
Mr. Altman previously stated in a post: “Our level of cohesion, dedication, and concentration is greater than ever before. I cannot contain my excitement as we are all destined to collaborate in some fashion. “One mission, one team.”
Mr. Brockman, who resigned from OpenAI subsequent to Mr. Altman’s dismissal, stated on Monday, “We are in the process of developing an extraordinary new product.”
According to a statement from the company, Mr. Altman’s conduct impeded the board’s capacity to carry out its duties.
However, in an open letter, 505 of the roughly 700 OpenAI employees threatened to resign and join Microsoft. This was despite assurances that employment was available at the tech behemoth.
Key members of management, including board member and erstwhile interim CEO Mira Murati, sign the letter. Two days after her appointment, they replaced her along with chief scientist Ilya Sutskever on Monday morning.
With profound remorse, Mr. Sutskever wrote on X, “I was involved in the board’s actions.” OpenAI was never intended to be harmed. I will make every effort to reunite the organization because I adore everything we’ve accomplished collectively.
Altman’s Unforeseen Ouster
Employees expressed their discontent with the board’s decision-making in the letter.
It stated that despite numerous requests for supporting evidence for your claims, you have never supplied any.
“The procedure by which Sam Altman was terminated and Greg Brockman was removed from the board has compromised the entirety of this endeavor and weakened our organization and mission.”
It is evident from your behavior that you lacked the necessary expertise to supervise OpenAI.
The board was accused of “negotiating in bad faith.” during Mr. Altman’s changeover.
“Upon the unanticipated revelation of your decision to all, the OpenAI leadership team promptly took action to restore stability to the organization. They listened attentively to your concerns and made every effort to collaborate with you.
They also grew increasingly convinced that you were incapable of performing your responsibilities.
In addition to board resignations and Brockman and Altman’s return, employees seek two independent board members.
In response to the news, Microsoft shares are at an all-time high, increasing by about 2% on Monday.
A representative of OpenAI verified that the letter had been received by the board.
