In a strategic move, Microsoft has welcomed OpenAI co-founders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman to lead a newly formed advanced AI research team. The announcement came from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Monday, following the surprising ousting of Altman by OpenAI's board.
Microsoft's Announcement
We remain committed to our partnership with OpenAI and have confidence in our product roadmap, our ability to continue to innovate with everything we announced at Microsoft Ignite, and in continuing to support our customers and partners. We look forward to getting to know Emmett…
— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) November 20, 2023
Microsoft's chief Satya Nadella has confirmed the enlistment of Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, the former OpenAI luminaries, to head a cutting-edge AI research division within the tech giant. This development follows a whirlwind weekend which saw Altman dismissed from OpenAI, prompting a wave of resignations including Brockman's.
Nadella has hinted at the recruitment of several other former OpenAI employees, signaling Microsoft's aggressive expansion in the AI domain.
OpenAI's Internal Upheaval
The leadership restructuring at OpenAI began with the board's decision to remove Altman, leading to a domino effect of departures. Negotiations stalled, resulting in the appointment of Emmett Shear, ex-Twitch CEO, as OpenAI's interim chief.
Over 95% of OpenAI employees, totaling 738 out of about 770, have signed a letter demanding the resignation of the company's board and the reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman. The employees accuse the board of jeopardizing the company's work and mission by mishandling Altman's termination and the removal of Greg Brockman from the board.
They express a lack of confidence in the board's competence and judgment and threaten to join Altman at Microsoft if their demands are not met. The letter also calls for the appointment of two new independent lead board members.
Microsoft's Continued Commitment
Despite the upheaval, Nadella has reaffirmed Microsoft's dedication to its partnership with OpenAI, expressing confidence in the company's innovation trajectory and its ongoing support for customers and partners. The tech conglomerate, which has invested heavily in OpenAI and holds significant ownership, is poised to maintain its influence in the AI race.
Editor's Comments
The rapid assimilation of OpenAI's former leadership into Microsoft's fold is nothing short of a coup for Nadella. It showcases Microsoft's agility in capitalizing on opportunities and its unwavering pursuit of AI dominance.
While the exact circumstances behind Altman's departure from OpenAI remain murky, Microsoft's gain is certainly OpenAI's loss. Despite both parties insistantly claim their firm partnership, the potential exodus of personnel could pose a risk for OpenAI.
As more major tech companies enter the AI market, OpenAI, with its advanced models and leading-edge technology, could suffer a significant setback in the wake of this turmoil.
[Updated on Nov. 22, 2023]
We have reached an agreement in principle for Sam Altman to return to OpenAI as CEO with a new initial board of Bret Taylor (Chair), Larry Summers, and Adam D'Angelo.
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) November 22, 2023
We are collaborating to figure out the details. Thank you so much for your patience through this.
OpenAI announced on Nov. 22 that Sam Altman will return to OpenAI as CEO with a new initial board of Bret Taylor (Chair), Larry Summers, and Adam D'Angelo, which indicates the failure of Microsoft's intention to snag OpenAI Co-Founders for developing their AI business.
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