More than 500 OpenAI employees are calling for the board to resign
More than 500 OpenAI employees threatened to leave the company unless the board resigns and reinstates CEO Sam Altman, who was surprisingly ousted by the board on Friday.
“The process by which you terminated Sam Altman and removed Greg Brockman from the board jeopardized all of this work and undermined our mission and company,” the statement signed by staff said. “Your behavior has made it clear that you do not have the authority to oversee OpenAI.”
Breaking: 505 out of 700 employees @OpenAI Call on the board to resign. pic.twitter.com/M4D0RX3Q7a
— Kara Swisher (@karaswisher) November 20, 2023
Notably, Ilya Sutskever, chief scientist and board member of OpenAI, also signed the letter, signifying a change in sentiment. Sutskever was considered instrumental in Altman’s deposition.
Shortly before the letter was published, Sutskever reached out to X and posted: “I deeply regret my involvement in the board’s actions.” I never intended to harm OpenAI. I love everything we have built together and I will do everything I can to reunite the company.”
I deeply regret that I participated in the board’s actions. I never intended to harm OpenAI. I love everything we’ve built together and I’ll do everything I can to reunite the company.
— Ilya Sutskever (@ilyasut) November 20, 2023
Altman’s ouster on Friday angered investors, including Microsoft, who only knew about the move a minute before the IPO. Since then, rumors have circulated that Altman would be welcomed back into the group following negotiations at the company’s headquarters.
There’s more to come…
