Sam Altman Reinstated As OpenAI CEO

Just days after he was ousted by the board, Sam Altman is returning as CEO of OpenAI, spawning major discussions regarding the future of the startup.

In addition to Altman’s reinstatement, a new initial board consisting of ex-Salesforce co-CEO Bret Trailer as chair, former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and original board member Adam D’Angelo as directors.

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

The return of Altman could spell a new era for the startup that had longstanding concerns among staff members regarding the dangers of AI and its potential for commercialization.

Original board members provided a scant explanation for the firing of Altman on Friday outside of its need to defend OpenAI’s mission to develop products that benefit humanity.

Analysts have said this reshuffle will favor both Altman and Microsoft, the latter of which has pledged billions of dollars to the startup while rolling out its technology to global customers.

We are encouraged by the changes to the OpenAI board. We believe this is a first essential step on a path to more stable, well-informed, and effective governance. Sam, Greg, and I have talked and agreed they have a key role to play along with the OAI leadership team in ensuring… https://t.co/djO6Fuz6t9

— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) November 22, 2023

These new staff changes have been welcomed by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.