OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, sacked CEO Sam Altman and removed co-founder Greg Brockman from the board on Friday due to a “quick” Google Meet conversation. But during the weekend, rumours circulated regarding Mr. Altman’s potential return to the company, and on Sunday, he received an invitation to the corporate office.
This transpired under 48 hours following Altman’s dismissal by OpenAI’s directors. According to The Information, Altman had been invited to the office by Interim CEO Mira Murati and the leadership team for additional conversations.
The story states that Altman and Brockman are being examined for reinstatement, along with three senior researchers who quit in solidarity. Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon was upbeat about their comeback.
Sam Altman will not be taking over as CEO of OpenAI again, according to Reuters, despite the company’s officials’ best attempts.
In the middle of all of this, he uploaded a photo of himself from the OpenAI offices with a guest badge on. “First and last time I ever wear one of these,” he wrote in the picture he shared.
As the discussions are confidential, individuals who want to remain anonymous claimed that while Sam Altman was willing to return, he preferred to see changes to the board’s composition, including the expulsion of present members, according to Bloomberg. He allegedly requested a statement absolving him of any wrongdoing as well.
Concerned about how it would affect an upcoming $86 billion share sale, both current and former employees were incensed by the swift management transition that followed Mr. Altman’s dismissal.
As per available sources, investors are supporting Altman as well. A group of investors, including Tiger Global, is advocating for Altman’s restoration. Sequoia Capital and Altman have been in discussions on possible actions going forward, such as a potential comeback. Additionally, the company has urged Microsoft personnel, who are OpenAI’s biggest supporters, to assist in planning his comeback.