Sam Altman, the mastermind behind the AI tool ChatGPT, has been removed from OpenAI amidst accusations of lacking transparency and openness with the board. The sudden departure of Altman and other executives has reverberated throughout the tech industry
Sam Altman, the visionary behind the groundbreaking AI tool ChatGPT, has exited OpenAI. His departure, accompanied by the removal by the company, has sent shockwaves through the tech industry. Mira Murati, OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer, has assumed the role of interim CEO following Altman’s exit. Several other high-ranking executives are also expected to leave the company. Additionally, Greg Brockman, the co-founder and President of OpenAI, has announced his resignation from his position via his X account.
OpenAI, in a blog post, announced the leadership transition, stating that Altman is leaving due to a review by the board, which found instances where he wasn’t consistently open and honest in communications with them. This lack of transparency led to the belief that he is no longer the right person to lead OpenAI.
Here’s a summary of the events that unfolded behind closed doors at OpenAI:
- The change in management was kept quiet, with some employees learning about it from the morning news or the company blog.
- The board accused Altman of not being candid in communications during an emergency meeting on Friday.
- The allegations followed Altman’s keynote at the DevDey conference, where OpenAI revealed important updates.
- Alongside Altman, Greg Brockman, the co-founder, also announced his exit as chairman of the board.
- Brockman claimed on Twitter that he and Altman were fired unexpectedly during a Google Meet with the board.
- Journalist Kara Swisher suggested the possibility of legal actions by Altman and Brockman or the formation of a new company.
- Microsoft, a major investor, expressed continued commitment to its partnership with OpenAI despite the exits.
- Altman expressed disappointment with his sudden departure and described his day as “transformative” and “weird.”
- Altman played a crucial role in founding OpenAI in 2015 as a non-profit organisation with a $1 billion funding.
- Initially set up with support from influential figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, Altman aimed to advance digital intelligence for the benefit of humanity.
