OpenAI Weighs Reinstating Recently Ousted CEO Sam Altman, Report Says

Following his unexpected firing, former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman may not be out of a job for long, as reported by Tech media outlet. Sources close to Altman indicate that the board is reconsidering its decision, having "agreed in principle" to resign while reinstating him. However, the board has reportedly missed a key deadline for this decision.

In the wake of Altman's termination, several senior staff members, including former Chairman Greg Brockman, Director of Research Jakub Pachocki, Head of Preparedness Aleksander Madry, and Senior Researcher Szymon Sidor, resigned in protest. Other OpenAI employees were also prepared to follow suit, possibly to join Altman in a new AI startup endeavor.

An internal memo circulated after Altman's dismissal clarified that his termination was unrelated to "malfeasance or any issues concerning financial, business, safety, or security/privacy practices."

Microsoft, a significant investor in OpenAI, has contributed approximately $13 billion overall, including a recent $10 billion injection as part of a long-term partnership. The company expressed its "utmost confidence" in OpenAI's interim CEO, Mira Murati, and affirmed its commitment to the partnership.

Despite these assurances, OpenAI employees received limited notice about Altman's ousting, with Altman himself given only 5 to 10 minutes’ warning. In the days leading up to his firing, Altman actively participated in recruitment efforts, even attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum just before his dismissal.

Reports indicate that neither Altman nor Brockman are assured a return due to OpenAI's non-profit structure, which restricts investor influence over company decisions. Their exits have left the board with only a few remaining members.

Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon communicated optimism in a memo to staff, stating they are working toward a resolution, which includes the potential return of Altman, Brockman, and other key colleagues. Kwon emphasized the goal of maintaining an environment where individuals focused on AGI research, safety, products, and policy can thrive.