On Wednesday, OpenAI declared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that Sam Altman would return as CEO, accompanied by new board members, including Bret Taylor (Chair), Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo. Responding to Altman’s decision to return, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella welcomed the move, considering it a crucial step toward establishing a “more stable, well-informed, and effective governance” at OpenAI. Altman, in a post, expressed his love for OpenAI and clarified that joining Microsoft on Sunday was deemed the best path at that time. However, with the support of the new board and Satya’s endorsement, Altman looks forward to returning to OpenAI, reinforcing the strong partnership with Microsoft.
Nadella, in his response on X, conveyed encouragement for the changes to the OpenAI board, emphasizing it as a vital step for more effective governance. He acknowledged the key roles that Altman and Greg Brockman, along with the OpenAI leadership team, would play in ensuring OpenAI’s continued success in pursuing its mission. Nadella expressed anticipation for building on the robust partnership and delivering the value of the next generation of AI to customers and partners.
The announcement follows Microsoft’s hiring of Altman and Brockman to lead a new advanced AI research team, disclosed a day earlier. The move came after OpenAI’s board appointed Emmett Shear as CEO, bypassing investor calls to reinstate Altman. The subsequent signing of a letter by many OpenAI employees urged the resignation of the remaining board members or the transition of OpenAI employees to Microsoft to work under Altman’s leadership in the new team.
