OpenAI's chief scientist and co-founder, Ilya Sutskever, led a board coup to fire prominent Silicon Valley figure, Sam Altman. Altman, subsequently hired by Microsoft to lead a new AI research team, may return to OpenAI as employees demand his reinstatement.

Ilya Sutskever: The OpenAI Genius Who Told Sam Altman He Was Fired WSJ

Sam Altman reinstated as OpenAI CEO amid pressure from stakeholders. Former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor and ex-Treasury Secretary Larry Summers join OpenAI's board, with Taylor as chair. Majority of employees threatened to migrate to Microsoft if Altman wasn't reinstated. Microsoft CEO Nadella welcomes the changes, emphasizing effective governance. Quick reinstatement follows investors, including Microsoft, Tiger Global and Sequoia Capital, trying to reverse Altman's ousting. Altman led OpenAI since 2019, part of a nonprofit founded in 2015. Altman and Brockman return to coding at OpenAI. Investor and founder community reacts unfavorably to Altman's firing. Nadella, who made a surprise appearance at OpenAI's developer conference, was reportedly surprised and upset by the announcement. Microsoft has invested billions of dollars in OpenAI.

OpenAI brings Sam Altman back as CEO less than a week after he was fired by board CNBC

OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman was fired, surprising staff and investors. His return may occur with a new leadership structure. Four board members — Ilya Sutskever, Helen Toner, Tasha McCauley, Adam D’Angelo — played roles in Altman's ouster. Should Altman return, these directors might exit. Investors including Microsoft, Thrive Capital, and Khosla Ventures advocate for Altman's reinstatement. Altman's dismissal allegedly due to communication breakdowns, not misconduct. OpenAI's president, Greg Brockman, resigned after being ousted from the board.

OpenAI’s board: Who are the 4 directors who fired Sam Altman, and will they stay if he returns? Fast Company

Former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to join Microsoft's new advanced AI research team, announced by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Altman and former OpenAI president Greg Brockman will lead, aligning with Microsoft’s massive investment and close partnership with OpenAI. Despite his recent controversial removal as OpenAI's CEO, Altman's appointment is supported by OpenAI investors; OpenAI hires former Twitch CEO Emmett Shear.

Ousted OpenAI head Sam Altman to lead Microsoft's new AI team CNBC