OpenAI Scrambles to Prevent Staff from Leaving, Having “Intense Discussions” – Report
Top management of artificial intelligence company, OpenAI, are scrambling to “reunify” the organization following the dramatic ousting of co-founder, Sam Altman.
According to a report by Bloomberg News, OpenAI’s Vice President for Global Affairs, Anna Makanju, assured employees that the company has “a plan we are working towards.”
“Intense discussions”
According to the report, OpenAI executives are “continuing to go over mutually acceptable options” as they attempt to navigate more discussions today.
“These intense discussions can drag out, and I know it can feel impossible to be patient,” Makanju allegedly stated.
OpenAI’s board of directors announced Altman’s firing on Friday, claiming that he “was not consistently candid in his communications.”
“The board no longer has confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI,” read an announcement Friday from the company.
Meanwhile, OpenAI president and co-founder, Greg Brockman, quit following news of Brockman’s firing.
On Monday, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a partnership with Altman and Brockman “to lead a new advanced AI research team.”
“We look forward to moving quickly to provide them with the resources needed for their success,” posted Nadella.
Employees threaten to walk
Since Altman’s abrupt firing, over 700 OpenAI employees signed a letter to the company’s board of directors demanding they resign and reinstate Altman.
“Your actions have made it obvious that you are incapable of overseeing OpenAI,” the letter to the board reads in part. “We are unable to work for or with people that lack competence, judgment and care for our mission and employees.”
Alongside the letter, employees began posting the sentiment “OpenAI is nothing without its people” en masse on X.
Among those tweeting their support of the ousted duo was chief technology officer, Mira Murati, who was elected to take over as interim CEO following Altman’s exit. Murati ultimately resigned, with OpenAI giving former executive of livestreaming platform Twitch, Emmett Shear, the role.
“I will do everything I can to reunite the company”
“I loved my time at OpenAI,” Altman posted following his departure. “It was transformative for me personally, and hopefully the world a little bit. Most of all I loved working with such talented people.”
OpenAI’s chief scientist and the man widely reported to be a leading force behind Altman’s exit, Ilya Sutskever, tweeted remorse for their decision on Monday.
“I deeply regret my participation in the board’s actions,” said the company’s chief scientist, Ilya Sutskever. “I never intended to harm OpenAI. I love everything we’ve built together and I will do everything I can to reunite the company.”
