Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, has officially returned to his role as CEO after a brief and unexpected departure. In a company memo on November 29, Altman confirmed the return of the initial board, chaired by Salesforce CEO Bret Taylor, with new members Larry Summers and Adam D’Angelo. Mira Murati, interim CEO during Altman's absence, will step down and resume her previous role as chief technology officer. Microsoft, having invested $13 billion in OpenAI, will now have a non-voting observer seat on the board. Altman emphasized the focus on advancing research, improving products, and better serving customers in his second stint as CEO.


In a significant development, Sam Altman has officially returned to his role as CEO at OpenAI after a brief and unexpected departure. In a company memo on November 29, Altman announced the return of the initial board, chaired by Bret Taylor, with new members Larry Summers and Adam D’Angelo. Interim CEO Mira Murati will step down and resume her previous role as chief technology officer. Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI, will now have a non-voting observer seat on the board. Altman emphasized a focus on advancing research, improving products, and better serving customers in his second stint as CEO.


Key Points:


  • Sam Altman has officially returned to his role as CEO at OpenAI after a brief departure, addressing employees in a company memo.

  • The initial board, chaired by Bret Taylor and including Larry Summers and Adam D’Angelo, has been reinstated.

  • Interim CEO Mira Murati will step down and return to her previous role as chief technology officer.

  • Microsoft, a significant investor in OpenAI, will have a non-voting observer seat on the board.

  • Altman emphasized priorities such as advancing research, improving products, and better serving customers in his second stint as CEO.



The official announcement also highlighted efforts to enhance the governance structure at OpenAI, including the creation of an independent committee of the board to oversee a review of recent events. Microsoft's inclusion as a non-voting observer is expected to contribute to providing more stability to the organization. Altman expressed excitement about the future and the probability of success in achieving OpenAI's mission.


The reshuffling of leadership and the addition of Microsoft as a non-voting observer come after a series of unexpected events that unfolded in mid-November, leading to Altman's temporary departure and subsequent reinstatement. The renewed focus on research, product improvement, and customer service signals a commitment to advancing OpenAI's goals in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.


(BRAYDEN LINDREA, COINTELEGRAPH, 2023)