Technology
Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023 3:03 pm EDT
Key Points
- Sam Altman’s Reinstatement: The main focus of the article is the reinstatement of Sam Altman as the CEO of OpenAI, following significant pressure from employees and investors who disagreed with the board’s decision to oust him less than a week prior.
- Board Changes and Microsoft’s Role: The article highlights key changes to OpenAI’s board, with former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers joining. It also mentions Adam D’Angelo’s continuation on the board. Microsoft’s involvement is emphasized, with CEO Satya Nadella expressing support and mentioning the formation of a new AI lab with Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman.
- Industry Reaction and Historical Comparisons: The article notes the strong reactions from prominent figures in the tech industry, drawing comparisons to historical events such as the removal and subsequent return of Steve Jobs to Apple. The support for Altman and his impact on OpenAI is emphasized, with industry leaders praising his contributions to the company.
Sam Altman is set to return as the CEO of OpenAI after facing significant pressure from employees and investors following his ousting less than a week ago. The move coincides with the addition of former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers to OpenAI’s board, with Taylor taking the chair position. Adam D’Angelo, the CEO of Quora, will remain on the board. Helen Toner, Tasha McCauley, and co-founder Ilya Sutskever were removed as board members, all of whom had been involved in Altman’s removal. Altman’s return follows a letter from hundreds of employees threatening to move to Microsoft if the board did not resign and reinstate Altman.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella supports the changes to OpenAI’s board and mentions the formation of a new AI lab with Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman at Microsoft. The rapid reinstatement of Altman became a possibility as prominent investors, including Microsoft, worked to reverse the board’s decision. OpenAI, known for its ChatGPT chatbot, emerged as a hot startup after its release in late 2022. Altman had been leading the company since 2019.
OpenAI, initially structured as a nonprofit, saw Altman’s removal and subsequent reinstatement, prompting comparisons to historical events such as Apple’s decision to fire Steve Jobs. Altman’s return was met with support from Silicon Valley investors and founders who praised his contributions to the company. Microsoft, a significant investor in OpenAI, had invested billions in the company and expressed surprise and upset at Altman’s initial removal. The article also mentions the hiring of ex-Twitch CEO Emmett Shear as Altman’s interim replacement and preparations for the new AI lab at Microsoft.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/22/openai-brings-sam-altman-back-as-ceo-days-after-ouster.html
