In a whirlwind of events, OpenAI announced late on Tuesday that Sam Altman would resume his role as CEO, concluding a series of dramatic developments and extensive discussions that had gripped the Silicon Valley startup at the forefront of the global artificial intelligence revolution. Altman’s unexpected dismissal on Friday had led him to briefly join Microsoft as the head of artificial intelligence research, alongside former President Greg Brockman and other staff associated with ChatGPT.
Here’s a timeline tracking the key events:
November 17:
- OpenAI board fires CEO and co-founder Sam Altman, leading to President Greg Brockman’s resignation from the board. Mira Murati is named interim CEO.
November 18:
- COO Brad Lightcap attributes Altman’s firing to a “breakdown in communication” rather than “malfeasance” in an internal memo.
- Early investor Khosla Ventures expresses support for Altman’s return to OpenAI or any future endeavors.
November 19:
- Reports surface that some employees are considering quitting if Altman is not reinstated as CEO, while others show support for joining Altman in a new venture.
November 20:
- Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announces the hiring of Altman, Brockman, and their colleagues to lead a new advanced AI research team at Microsoft.
- OpenAI appoints former Twitch boss Emmett Shear as interim CEO and pledges to investigate Altman’s exit.
- OpenAI board explores a potential merger with rival Anthropic’s CEO for the top job.
- Nearly all OpenAI staff reportedly threaten to quit and join Altman at Microsoft if the board does not resign.
November 21:
- OpenAI reveals that Altman will return as CEO, accompanied by a new initial board comprising Bret Taylor, Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo. Brockman is set to rejoin the startup.
The saga highlights the intense dynamics within OpenAI, with legal recourse being explored by some investors against the company’s board. The rapid sequence of events underscores the significant role OpenAI plays in the AI landscape and the high stakes involved in the leadership changes within the organization.
