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OpenAI Chaos: Altman Texts Reveal Board's Stance
7 May
Summary
- Board refused to reconsider firing Sam Altman.
- Emmett Shear was considered for interim CEO role.
- Employees threatened mass resignation to support Altman.
Newly revealed text messages from November 2023 illustrate the intense panic and confusion within OpenAI following the board's decision to remove Sam Altman. In exchanges with Mira Murati, Altman sought updates on the board's discussions, receiving a grim "directionally very bad" assessment.
Murati informed Altman that the board was resolute and unwilling to reconsider his position, even stating they "don't care if everyone quits." During this period, Emmett Shear, former CEO of Twitch, was being considered as an interim CEO.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella became involved, attempting diplomatic interventions. Altman even proposed Microsoft acquiring OpenAI to satisfy the board's governance concerns. However, the board's rigid stance eventually crumbled.
Within days, hundreds of OpenAI employees threatened to resign and join Microsoft with Altman, prompting the board to reverse its decision. Altman returned as CEO within a week, concluding the tumultuous 48-hour period.
