Altman Agrees to Come Back to OpenAI

OpenAI’s former chief Sam Altman is coming back to the company. Just five days after he was replaced by the Board, Altman agreed in principle to return to lead the company, with a new board set to be installed at the ChatGPT developer.

In a social media post, OpenAI revealed the surprising move, adding the details of its former leader’s comeback were still being finalized. The move comes after threats of a mass exodus by staff and investor pressure in the wake of Altman’s departure, and after he had taken a job at Microsoft to lead an AI research team there. OpenAI had also already appointed an interim CEO in Emmett Shear.

Altman’s likely return was welcomed in social media posts by the executive himself, Shear, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Although quick to offer roles to Altman and fellow ex-OpenAI employee Greg Brockman earlier this week, Microsoft is a major financial backer and partner of the company. Brockman was not mentioned by OpenAI itself but indicated he also intended to return to the company in his own social media post.

Altman highlighted when he agreed to join Microsoft, it was the best path for him and the team. However, with a new board being installed at his former employer and the support of Nadella, he said he was looking forward to reprising his old role and building on a strong partnership with Microsoft.

Nadella noted board changes at the ChatGPT developer were the first essential step on a path to more stable, well-informed, and effective governance. He added that Brockman and Altman have a key role to play in ensuring the AI company continues to thrive and build on its mission.