Microsoft has appointed OpenAI’s co-founders, Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, to lead a new advanced AI research team, as announced by Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella. This decision follows a series of intensive discussions after Altman’s unexpected dismissal by OpenAI’s board.
Amidst protests and departures by several OpenAI members, including Brockman, Altman is set to take the helm as the chief executive of Microsoft’s new AI group, according to Nadella. Nadella expressed eagerness to allow Altman and Brockman the freedom to cultivate independent identities and cultures within Microsoft, similar to successful precedents with GitHub, Mojang Studios, and LinkedIn.
Joining Altman and Brockman at Microsoft are former top talents from OpenAI, including Szymon Sidor, Jakub Pachocki, and Aleksander Madry, with more expected to follow suit, as shared by Brockman in a post on X.
Nadella affirmed Microsoft’s commitment to OpenAI despite the surprising actions taken by OpenAI’s board. Nadella’s swift action in providing a new home for the former OpenAI leaders before the market opened on Monday was notably praised for its execution within the tech industry.
Altman recognized as the public face of OpenAI, led one of the most valuable U.S. startups, contributing significantly to the current AI landscape and the growth of numerous startups leveraging its software offerings. Microsoft’s substantial investment in OpenAI has propelled its own AI endeavours and fostered partnerships with many businesses.
The move by Microsoft to secure Altman and Brockman is seen as a strategic manoeuvre to maintain its competitive edge, preventing the loss of expertise to rival tech companies and reinforcing positive predictions about Microsoft’s future on Wall Street.
This development comes after a tumultuous weekend where efforts to persuade Altman to return to OpenAI failed. The OpenAI board instead appointed former Twitch CEO Emmett Shear as interim chief executive, a move that reportedly surprised Altman.
Amidst the upheaval, several key figures within OpenAI expressed discontent with the board’s decision, leading to departures and protests within the organization. Shear acknowledged the mishandling of the situation, pledging to conduct a comprehensive review of the process leading to Altman’s removal and aiming to rebuild trust within the next 30 days.
Shear stated his commitment to rectifying the situation and fostering positive changes within OpenAI, acknowledging the importance of stabilizing the organization and addressing concerns raised by stakeholders.
“I have immense respect for what Sam and the entire OpenAI team have built. It’s not just an exceptional research project and software product, but an outstanding company. I am determined to protect it and guide its further growth,” Shear concluded in his statement.
