OpenAI CEO Sam Altman could return after fall
According to multiple media reports, ex-CEO and co-founder of OpenAI Sam Altman is in talks to return to the company, just a day after the board ousted him.
The edge reported that the former OpenAI CEO was in talks with the company but was “ambivalent” about returning. Altman is reportedly considering returning to his role, but has told investors he wants to completely reconfigure the board Wall Street Journal reported.
According to tech reporter Kara Swisher, the OpenAI board crawls back to his former CEO because “the incompetent board has recognized that he is incompetent.”
It makes the old Yahoo board look like geniuses
— Kara Swisher (@karaswisher) November 18, 2023
Altman’s firing came as a shock to the technology industry on Friday, as the board expressed concerns about communications with the CEO, saying he had not always been open with the board and that it lacked confidence in his ability to lead the company , have lost. Former Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati has been named interim CEO.
Even Microsoft, which invested billions in the AI company, was shocked to learn of Altman’s ouster just a minute before the announcement was made public. Microsoft has been OpenAI’s strongest partner and the startup relies on the company for funding.
OpenAI’s chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, who is also a co-founder of the company, sits on the company’s board and was reportedly instrumental in Altman’s removal. Shortly after Altman was ousted, the company’s president and co-founder, Greg Brockman, quit. A number of high-ranking researchers also resigned on Friday.
In the meantime, Altman is reportedly planning one new AI companywhich has piqued the interest of potential investors.
Late Friday evening, Altman and Brockman issued a joint statement saying they were “shocked and saddened” by the day’s events but stressed, “We will be OK. “Bigger things are coming soon.”
In a separate statement posted on X, Altman said: “I love you all. Today was a strange experience in many ways. But something unexpected is that it was a bit like reading your own eulogy while you’re still alive.
I love you all.
Today was a strange experience in many ways. But something unexpected is that it was a bit like reading your own eulogy while you’re still alive. the outpouring of love is great.
One takeaway: Tell your friends how great you think they are.
– Sam Altman (@sama) November 18, 2023
Later, Altman became a little bolder and said, “If I get going, the Openai board should come after me for the full value of my shares.”
When I get started, the OpenAI board should pursue me for the full value of my shares
– Sam Altman (@sama) November 18, 2023
