A Timeline Of Sam Altman’s Sudden Ousting & Surprising Reinstatement
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In an unexpected development, Microsoft-backed OpenAI via X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday announced the reinstatement of Sam Altman as CEO. This decision was prompted by widespread criticism from both employees and investors who vehemently opposed the abrupt removal of Altman by the board just a couple of days prior. The sudden decision to oust Altman had surprised both OpenAI’s employees and major investors, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
Here’s a quick timeline of what went down:
November 16
Ilya Sutskever’s call with Altman: OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever messaged Altman on November 16 to arrange a meeting on November 17.
Mira Murati learns about Altman’s sacking: Co-founder and President Greg Brockman alleges that OpenAI CTO Mira Murati learned on the night of November 16 about Altman’s impending dismissal.
November 17
Brockman ousted: Sutskever informed Brockman via text, leading to his removal from OpenAI’s board. He was assured he would retain his role as president, and Altman had been fired.
Altman’s firing announced publicly: OpenAI released a blog post on Altman’s termination, citing inconsistent communication with the board. Murati would serve as interim CEO, as per initial reports.
All-hands meeting: Sutskever addressed employee concerns during an all-hands meeting, emphasizing the board’s commitment to OpenAI’s mission.
Microsoft issues statement: Microsoft, one of OpenAI’s major investors, released a statement on Altman’s removal, affirming commitment to their partnership and innovation goals.
Brockman quits: Following Altman’s departure announcement, Brockman resigned, expressing pride in their achievements but stating, “Based on today’s news, I quit.”
Researchers at OpenAI resign: Senior researchers, Jakub Pachocki, Aleksander Madry, and Szymon Sidor, resigned in response to Altman’s sacking.
November 18
Altman plans new AI venture: As per reports, Altman was actively raising funds for a new chip venture from global investors.
Investors push for Altman’s return: OpenAI investors, including Thrive Global, urged the board to reverse Altman’s removal.
The board agrees in principle to reinstate Altman: Reports suggested the board agreed to resign, bringing back Altman as CEO and Brockman as president.
November 19
Attempts at Altman’s return hit a roadblock: Negotiations to reinstate Altman faced hurdles over disagreements on the board’s composition and role.
Emmett Shear appointed as interim CEO: Unwilling to compromise, the board appointed Twitch co-founder Emmett Shear as interim CEO, replacing Murati.
November 20
Satya Nadella hires Altman, Brockman, others: Microsoft CEO Nadella announced Altman, Brockman, and other OpenAI employees joining the company’s advanced AI research team. Altman would lead as CEO.
Sutskever’s U-turn: Expressing regret on X, Sutskever vowed to reunite the company, reversing his stance on Altman’s removal.
Employees threaten to resign: Nearly 500 employees, including Sutskever, threatened to resign unless the board members stepped down, expressing solidarity with Altman.
November 21
Nadella bats for Altman: Nadella expressed openness to Altman’s return to OpenAI, emphasising the need for governance changes.
November 22
Altman back as OpenAI CEO: OpenAI announced an agreement for Altman’s return as CEO. The new initial board includes Bret Taylor and Larry Summers, while Adam D’Angelo continues to serve.
i love openai, and everything i’ve done over the past few days has been in service of keeping this team and its mission together. when i decided to join msft on sun evening, it was clear that was the best path for me and the team. with the new board and w satya’s support, i’m…
— Sam Altman (@sama) November 22, 2023
Altman soon followed up with his own tweet, saying that he is “looking forward to returning to OpenAI” and to build on the company’s relationship with Microsoft.
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