In a surprising turn of events, ousted co-founder and former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is in talks with the company’s board for a potential return, according to insiders familiar with the matter. The discussions, still in their early stages, involve Altman and at least one board member, identified as Adam D’Angelo. The sources, who requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the discussions, revealed that OpenAI investors are also engaged in the talks, with some advocating for Altman’s reinstatement.
Among the scenarios being explored, Altman may make a comeback as a director on a transitional board, sources suggested. Additionally, former Salesforce Inc. co-CEO Bret Taylor is reportedly being considered as another potential director on a restructured board, according to multiple insiders.
The significance of these negotiations cannot be understated, given that, until Monday, the board had largely refrained from communication with the executive they ousted on Friday, according to several sources.
Prominent OpenAI shareholders, including Thrive Capital, Khosla Ventures, and Tiger Global Management, are reportedly supporting Altman’s reinstatement. Sequoia Capital, a leading venture capital firm, is said to be working in conjunction with this group.
The urgency to resolve the leadership turmoil within OpenAI has escalated after the majority of the company’s employees threatened to resign unless Altman is reinstated, among other demands. In response, the company’s Vice President of Global Affairs, Anna Makanju, sent a memo to staff on Monday, stating that OpenAI has been engaged in “intense discussions” with the board, Altman, and the newly appointed CEO, Emmett Shear, to bring about unity within the company.
Efforts are underway to reach a resolution before Thanksgiving, as employees express concerns about spending the holiday amid uncertainty about the future of their jobs, according to an insider.
The board’s decision to terminate Altman has faced intense scrutiny, particularly since the stated reasons were that the former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was not “consistently candid in his communications.” However, board members and staff have emphasized that Altman’s removal was not related to any “malfeasance” or safety concerns, creating an information vacuum. Microsoft Corp. CEO Satya Nadella, OpenAI’s largest investor, publicly stated that he has received no explanation for Altman’s departure.
Even CEO Shear has reportedly been left in the dark, with sources indicating that he may not remain in his position unless the board provides a clear explanation for Altman’s sudden firing.
Prior to Altman’s exit, the OpenAI board comprised Altman, President Greg Brockman, Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever, Quora Inc. CEO D’Angelo, tech entrepreneur Tasha McCauley, and Helen Toner, director of strategy at Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology. Following Altman’s departure, Brockman resigned from the company in protest.
Source: Bloomberg
