Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that Altman and Brockman would be joining Microsoft to head a new advanced AI research unit, leaving the door open for OpenAI employees to join them. The OpenAI staff threatened to join Altman at Microsoft in their letter, and called for the resignation of the current board. The situation highlights the unusual governance structure of OpenAI and the divisive race to develop artificial intelligence.
Key takeaways:
- Over 730 employees of OpenAI have signed an open letter threatening to resign unless the board reinstates Sam Altman as CEO and Greg Brockman as cofounder and former president. Both were controversially removed by the board.
- The letter accuses the board of incompetence and jeopardizing the company's mission and work. It also reveals that Microsoft has offered positions to all OpenAI employees at a new subsidiary led by Altman and Brockman.
- OpenAI's board initially seemed open to having Altman return, but later confirmed he would not be returning. Shortly after, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that Altman and Brockman would be heading a new advanced AI research unit at Microsoft.
- The letter calls for the resignation of the current board and the appointment of two new independent lead board members, Bret Taylor and Will Hurd. The situation highlights the unusual governance structure of OpenAI and the divisive nature of the race to develop artificial intelligence.