OpenAI staff revolt: More than 730 employees threaten exit over leadership dispute
Over 730 OpenAI employees signed a letter demanding the board's resignation and the reinstatement of former CEO Sam Altman and president Greg Brockman. The move follows Altman's controversial dismissal on Friday.
Highlights
- About 95 percent of OpenAI employees, including Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever, protested CEO Altman's dismissal
- Swift and unclear events post-Altman's removal raise uncertainty
- Nadella's hiring announcement hints at AI landscape changes, sparking employee considerations
In a surprising turn of events, over 730 OpenAI employees have signed an open letter expressing their intent to leave unless the board resigns and reinstates former CEO Sam Altman and president Greg Brockman. The controversial firing of Altman by the board on Friday triggered the revolt.
The letter, signed by almost 95 percent of the company's employees, including Chief Scientist, Ilya Sutskever, criticised how the board dealt with Altman's firing. Despite being accused of leading the revolt, Sutskever apologised and pledged to bring the company back together.
This weekend, people witnessed a rollercoaster of events, from Altman's removal to Microsoft's announcement of hiring him and Brockman for a new advanced AI research unit. Despite initial openness to Altman's return, the board informed staff otherwise, prompting Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella to welcome OpenAI employees to join the new venture.
Staff debate
OpenAI employees engaged in overnight discussions, expressing frustration over the lack of communication regarding Altman's firing. Many hinted at their willingness to depart, emphasising the sentiment that "OpenAI is nothing without its people."
Nadella's statement about providing resources for success in Altman's new venture hinted at a potentially more aggressive approach, suggesting a strategic shift in Microsoft's AI pursuits. As the dust settles, the company's uncertain trajectory and the possibility of mass departures raise critical questions about OpenAI's immediate future and its standing in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
Microsoft’s twist
Microsoft's entry into the narrative added a pivotal twist. CEO Satya Nadella announced the hiring of Altman and Brockman for a new advanced AI research unit, welcoming OpenAI employees to join. This move, coupled with the board's subsequent communication about Altman not returning to OpenAI, left the company's future hanging in the balance.
Complex situation
In this whirlwind, the race for AI development becomes divisive, with differing views on OpenAI's mission and direction. Microsoft's role in potentially acquiring the entire company further adds complexity to the situation.
