In a surprising turn of events, artificial intelligence maven OpenAI bowled over the tech sector by reinstating its recently ousted CEO. A lot of uncertainty shrouded the decision to remove the CEO, which was made by the entity’s board trustees. Faced with an exodus of staff who threatened to ally with Microsoft if the decision wasn’t reversed, the board made a quick u-turn.
OpenAI exclaimed via Twitter, “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.” While the company continues to iron out details, the return to normality seems to be embraced with a collective sigh of relief. “OpenAI is nothing without its people,” was another tweet underscoring the significance of unity at the tech firm.
Despite this reversed decision, the future of the company remains blurred, particularly with regards to Microsoft’s role. Speculation suggests that Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella may have been the orchestrator of events, even before Altman was relieved of his role. If this is true, it implies that the future course of OpenAI may align with Nadella’s vision, positioning Microsoft with control of OpenAI, but without finical offset to other investors.
Satya Nadella voiced his affirmation of the move on Twitter stating, “We are encouraged by the changes to the OpenAI board. We believe this is a first essential step on a path to more stable, well-informed, and effective governance.” He went on to assert the key role the reappointed CEO and the OpenAI team would play going forward.
Amid all this, Microsoft’s press room has kept mum, and the public remains unable to gain access the OpenAI site. The primary source of public communication has been Twitter—an interesting twist, considering it’s owned by Elon Musk, who has taken an avid interest in the matter.
OpenAI, of course, is adamant that equilibrium has been restored, yet, one can’t help but the feel the sense of more surprises in the narrative of what has been a riveting corporate saga.
