Investors in artificial intelligence company OpenAI are urging the board to reverse its decision to fire Sam Altman as CEO and remove him as a director, sources told Bloomberg. The investors and Altman were both blindsided by the write-off, the report added.
Some investors, including Thrive Global, are also reportedly engaged in discussions with OpenAI’s largest shareholder Microsoft Corporation, according to sources added by the report.
If the decision is reversed, there is a possibility that Altman will return to the company, one source said. A possible scenario being considered involves OpenAI’s current board members stepping down soon, although no definitive decisions have been reached, multiple sources added.
Also read: “Sam and I are shocked by what the board did today,” says former OpenAI president Greg Brockman.
Feedback and support for Altman
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella communicated with Altman, assuring him of support in his future endeavors. Sources familiar with the situation revealed that Nadella was caught off guard by the board’s decision.
OpenAI, Microsoft and Thrive Global did not respond to questions, the report added.
The OpenAI board faced major backlash after Altman’s sudden removal, surprising both investors and Altman himself. Notably, several individuals, including co-founder Greg Brockman, left the company in protest. Sources suggest further resignations could follow suit, the report added.
Also read: Who is on the OpenAI Board that fired Sam Altman? Take a look
If Altman does return, there is speculation that he may seek changes in the management of the company. Instead, in the event of his non-return, Altman was considering launching a new venture, possibly involving a former OpenAI staffer, Bloomberg’s sources added.
Sudden change of hands
Mira Murati, who previously worked behind the scenes at ChatGPT maker OpenAI as chief technology officer (CTO), has been appointed as the company’s interim CEO with immediate effect as the company searches for a permanent replacement.
Murati’s appointment comes after OpenAI in a recent statement announced the departure of co-founder and CEO, Sam Altman.
Also read: What new OpenAI CEO Mira Murati thinks about AI, ChatGPT and more
The company said an internal review highlighted Altman’s lack of consistent transparency in communications with the board of directors. Consequently, the board lost confidence in its ability to lead OpenAI effectively.
After the announcement, Altman expressed gratitude for his time at OpenAI, acknowledging its transformative impact on him and perhaps the world. He hinted at more information about his future plans.
“I loved my time at OpenAI. It was transformative for me personally, and hopefully the world a little bit. Most of all I loved working with such talented people. Will have more to say about that later,” Altman wrote on X.
Also read: ‘Sam Altman is a hero…’: Eric Schmidt, Brian Chesky, other leaders praise Altman’s contribution to AI
Meanwhile, co-founder and president, Greg Brockman, also announced his departure from the company. Brockman, in a message on X, expressed pride in the achievements made.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve all built together since starting in my apartment 8 years ago. We’ve been through hard times and great times together, achieving so much despite all the reasons it should have been impossible. But based on today’s news, I give up.” he wrote
Milestone Warning!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news site in the world 🌏 Click here to know more
Catch all Corporate news and Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates and Live Business News.
More or less
Updated: 19 Nov 2023, 07:41 IST