A waltz that Microsoft could have done without… Sam Altman has just confirmed that he is returning to OpenAI as CEO, even though he was supposed to join Microsoft’s artificial intelligence (AI) team. Here’s a look back at this latest episode in the saga
Sam Altman returns as CEO of OpenAI
All for this? Sam Altman, the creator of OpenAI, is constantly moving from one company to another. Earlier this week, we learned that he had taken refuge in the arms of Microsoft, which was ready to create an artificial intelligence division just for him. The CEO had in fact been suddenly sacked from OpenAI, and Emmett Shear, ex-CEO of Twitch, was supposed to succeed him. But things have changed again
Today we learn that Sam Altman will once again be CEO of OpenAI. The news was announced directly by the company on X:
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.
We are collaborating to figure out the details. Thank you so much for your patience through this.
– OpenAI (@OpenAI) November 22, 2023
An agreement in principle has been reached, and a new board of directors has been chosen. OpenAI confirms that “collaboration” is underway:
“Thank you very much for your continued patience “
For his part, Sam Altman also sent out a tweet, declaring his love for OpenAI :
“I love OpenAI, and everything I’ve done in the last few days has been to keep the team and the mission we’ve been given. “
A slap in the face for Microsoft?
The CEO admits that things have changed enough in the company, which has chosen this new board of directors, and that the way is now clear for him and his collaborators. He also refers to a “solid partnership” with Microsoft.
It’s worth remembering that when Sam Altman was sacked, Microsoft campaigned to reinstate him at the head of the company. The tech giant has a vested interest in this, as it has been developing products through its partnership with the AI company for years.
Surely, the about-face must have shaken Microsoft. The company had rolled out the red carpet for OpenAI’s CEO and said it would do everything in its power to create a team that lived up to its expectations. The result, however, is the same: King Sam Altman is back at the helm of his empire, and he’s back stronger than ever.
