In a surprising move, former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is set to join Microsoft, leading a new advanced artificial intelligence research team. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced this significant development on the social media platform X, revealing that Altman and Greg Brockman, OpenAI’s former president and board chair, along with other colleagues, will be instrumental in steering Microsoft’s advancements in AI. This move comes amid a backdrop of strategic investments by Microsoft into OpenAI and a strong technology partnership between the two giants.
Microsoft has committed billions of dollars to OpenAI, solidifying a close technological alliance. Satya Nadella expressed confidence in this partnership, emphasizing Microsoft’s dedication to providing the necessary resources for the success of Altman, Brockman, and their team. Nadella highlighted Microsoft’s commitment to innovation, citing the recent announcements made at Microsoft Ignite, and reassured customers and partners about continued support.
Sam Altman had been at the helm of OpenAI since 2019, but his tenure came to an abrupt end when OpenAI’s board removed him from his position. In a statement, the board cited concerns about Altman’s communication, stating that he “was not consistently candid” in his interactions with the board. Despite this, a group of OpenAI investors rallied over the weekend, advocating for Altman’s reinstatement as CEO.
In a surprising twist, OpenAI swiftly appointed former Twitch CEO Emmett Shear to lead the company. Hours later, Microsoft’s Nadella announced the absorption of Altman and Brockman into the Microsoft team. This move indicates Microsoft’s eagerness to integrate the expertise of Altman and Brockman into their AI research endeavors. Nadella expressed anticipation in working with Shear and OpenAI’s new leadership team, signaling a collaborative future between the two companies.
OpenAI gained widespread recognition with the release of ChatGPT in late 2022. The chatbot allows users to engage in conversations by typing simple text queries, receiving answers that can lead to more profound discussions. OpenAI’s reported talks to sell employee shares at an $86 billion valuation underscore the company’s significant impact on the AI landscape.
(Source: CNBC | The Verge | CNN)
