Sam Altman to Return to OpenAI as CEO

OpenAI (OAI) has reversed its decision of last Monday and will bring back Sam Altman as CEO. The board of OpenAI faced pressure from employees threatening to quit, along with Microsoft and other investors working to restore Altman. In addition to Altman’s return, OpenAI will also have two new board members, Bret Taylor and Larry Summers. Adam D’Angelo is the only existing board member to stay on after the events of the past week.

OpenAI released a statement on X: “We have reached an agreement in principle for Sam Altman to return to OpenAI as CEO with a new initial board of Bret Taylor (Chair), Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo. We are collaborating to figure out the details. Thank you so much for your patience through this.”

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella released a statement about the changes to the OpenAI board, saying on X: “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, [OpenAI co-founder] Greg [Brockman], and I have talked and agreed they have a key role to play along with the OAI leadership team in ensuring OAI continues to thrive and build on its mission. We look forward to building on our strong partnership and delivering the value of this next generation of AI to our customers and partners.”