In a seismic shift within the tech industry, a significant portion of OpenAI’s workforce is on the verge of a mass exodus, threatening to resign en masse and join Microsoft. The catalyst for this unprecedented move was the abrupt firing and rehiring of CEO Sam Altman, alongside the resignation of co-founder Greg Brockman and subsequent changes in leadership.
Timeline of Sam Altman’s Firing and Rehiring in OpenAI
The firing of Sam Altman from OpenAI unfolded as a saga of unexpected twists, executive reshuffling, and the collective voice of hundreds of disgruntled employees. Before the employee rebellion, let’s delve into the timeline of this gripping narrative. From tracing the key moments that led to Altman’s departure, the fallout within the company, and the unprecedented threats of mass resignations echoing through the corridors of the renowned artificial intelligence company.
November 16
- Ilya Sutskever schedules a call with Sam Altman for the next day.
- Mira Murati, OpenAI’s CTO, allegedly informed on Thursday night about Altman’s impending firing.
November 17
- Greg Brockman, OpenAI’s president, is demoted but assured of retaining his role.
- Sam Altman’s firing is publicly announced by OpenAI.
- All-hands meeting was held to address the executive shake-up.
- Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella released a statement expressing commitment to OpenAI.
- Greg Brockman resigns from OpenAI, followed by three senior researchers.
November 18
- An internal memo from COO Brad Lightcap denies malfeasance in Altman’s firing.
- The planned sale of the company shares, valuing the startup at $86 billion, is in jeopardy.
- Altman and Brockman plan to launch a new venture; Altman is expected to lead it.
- Investors push for Altman’s reinstatement, putting pressure on OpenAI’s board.
- The board agrees in principle to reverse the decision but misses a deadline for staff retention.
November 19
- Altman is expected to meet at OpenAI HQ for potential reinstatement.
- Board negotiations hit a snag; Directors resisted Altman’s return; Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor considered it as a new addition.
- Altman will not return; Emmett Shear appointed interim CEO.
November 20
- Altman, Brockman, and colleagues announce joining Microsoft to lead a new AI research team.
- Ilya Sutskever expresses regret for his role in Altman’s removal.
- Nearly 500 employees threaten to quit unless the board resigns and reinstates Altman.
November 22
- Sam Altman returns to OpenAI as CEO
- A new initial board is created, consists of Bret Taylor (Chair), Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo.
The Employee Rebellion: A Letter to OpenAI’s Board
Over 500 employees have boldly expressed their discontent with the current state of affairs, articulating their intentions in a poignant letter addressed to the company’s board. The letter, reported by Wired and journalist Kara Swisher, serves as a manifesto of dissent, outlining the employees’ demand for the reinstatement of Altman and Brockman and the subsequent resignation of the board. A crucial aspect of this rebellion is the assurance from Microsoft that there are positions awaiting these disgruntled staff members within a new “Advanced AI research team”.
Microsoft’s Strategic Move and Employee Assurance
Microsoft, sensing an opportunity amid the chaos, has strategically positioned itself to absorb the disenchanted workforce. The technology giant has not only hired Altman and Brockman to lead the charge in a groundbreaking “Advanced AI research team” but has also promised positions to all OpenAI employees should they choose to jump ship. This move is reminiscent of a major acquisition, highlighting Microsoft’s commitment to integrating the talents and expertise of OpenAI’s workforce into its own AI endeavours.
Contentions within OpenAI: Board Decisions and Leadership Changes
The employee rebellion comes in the wake of controversial decisions made by OpenAI‘s board. Despite the demands articulated in the letter, the board has opted to stand its ground, naming Emmett Shear, former CEO of Twitch, as the interim CEO. This move indicates a reluctance to yield to the demands of the dissatisfied workforce. Mira Murati, who assumed the interim CEO role following Altman’s sudden departure, is among those now contemplating joining Microsoft’s ranks.
Ilya Sutskever’s Regret and Commitment to Reunite
Notably, Ilya Sutskever, the company’s chief scientist and a key player in the decision-making process, expressed regret for his role in the tumultuous events. In a tweet on X (Formerly Twitter), Sutskever stated, “I deeply regret my participation in the board’s actions. I never intended to harm OpenAI. I love everything we’ve built together and I will do everything I can to reunite the company”. This admission adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, suggesting internal conflicts within the company’s leadership.
Microsoft’s Unusual Manoeuvre and Recent AI Developments
Microsoft’s creation of a dedicated “Advanced AI research team” signals a departure from its typical business strategies. The company, usually reserved in conferring the CEO title, has bestowed this honour upon Altman, underlining the significance of this recruitment. This move comes hot on the heels of Microsoft’s announcement about developing a custom AI chip capable of training large language models, potentially reducing dependence on established players like Nvidia. Altman had reportedly been exploring a separate startup to produce AI Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) chips, rivalling Nvidia’s offerings.
The Growing Wave of Resignation Threats and Employee Signatures
The initial letter threatening mass resignations reportedly garnered over 500 signatures, reflecting a substantial portion of the company’s workforce. This number swiftly climbed to 650, according to OpenAI safety leader Lilian Weng, underscoring the depth of dissatisfaction among employees. With a total staff count of 770, the threat of resignations casts a looming shadow over the company’s ability to retain its core team.