In a startling turn of events, nearly all—according to a source—of OpenAI's employees have united in a powerful open letter, urging the resignation of the current board and the reinstatement of ousted CEO Sam Altman and former president Greg Brockman.
The letter, a sign of open revolt within the company, outlines the employees' concerns about the board's actions and their impact on OpenAI's mission and reputation.
Boardroom Upheaval: Altman's Controversial Dismissal
The controversy centers around the sudden firing of then-CEO Sam Altman on Friday, Nov. 17 with the board citing communication issues as the reason. The letter accuses the board of incompetence in overseeing OpenAI and jeopardizing the collective efforts of the company.
Related Article : OpenAI Co-founder Greg Brockman Quits After Sam Altman Firing
Unprecedented Unity: Chief Scientist Admits Regret
As reported by Wired, the letter includes signatures from Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever, a board member accused of orchestrating Altman's removal. Sutskever publicly expressed regret on X (fka Twitter) and wanted to reunite the company. This admission adds a layer of complexity to the internal dynamics at OpenAI.
Weekend Whirlwind: Altman's Potential Return and Microsoft's Intervention
The weekend witnessed a series of rapid developments, from Altman's potential return to Microsoft's intervention. Despite indications that Altman might resume his role, the board communicated that he would not be rejoining OpenAI.
Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, swiftly announced Altman and Brockman's inclusion in a new advanced AI research unit within the tech giant.
Employee Frustration: Lack of Communication Sparks Concerns
OpenAI staff expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding Altman's departure, leading to a heated debate among employees. Many signaled a willingness to leave, posting messages like "OpenAI is nothing without its people" on X.
In another bold move, OpenAI staff in the letter threatened to join Altman at Microsoft, citing assurances from the tech giant about positions at the new subsidiary for OpenAI employees. This raises the possibility of a significant exodus from OpenAI to Microsoft.
The letter not only demands the current board's resignation but also proposes the appointment of two new independent lead board members, Bret Taylor and Will Hurd. This suggests a desire for a governance shakeup and a fresh start for OpenAI.
Unraveling the Reasons Behind Altman's Removal
Despite the upheaval, the precise reasons behind Altman's dismissal remain unclear, prompting the letter to request specific evidence from the board. The situation highlights the divisive nature of AI development and raises questions about OpenAI's governance structure.
As the drama unfolds, the tech world watches closely to see the impact on OpenAI's future and the broader landscape of AI development.
Since Altman will not come back to OpenAI, the AI firm now appointed Emmet Shear, the Twitch co-founder as the new CEO of the company.
Firing Altman is still a shock in the tech industry given how he made ChatGPT a cornerstone of modern chatbots. Fortunately, he found a glimmer of hope to continue his work with Microsoft-his new family this time.
