OpenAI’s Altman Saga: A Game of Thrones in AI
“Do more with less.”
OpenAI, the company behind the popular AI systems ChatGPT and DALL-E, recently experienced notable leadership changes reminiscent of the power struggles depicted in Game of Thrones.
Microsoft showcased groundbreaking advancements, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence in it’s annual conference Microsoft Ignite held in November 14 to 17, 2023. The event portrayed Microsoft’s future AI journey in association with OpenAI.
November 16th:
- OpenAI Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever privately meets with ousted CEO Sam Altman, foreshadowing future events.
November 17th:
- OpenAI’s board abruptly fires CEO Sam Altman over transparency issues, citing problems with his communications.
- CTO Mira Murati is appointed interim CEO.
- President Greg Brockman resigns, exposing internal rifts.
November 18th:
- The board discusses potentially reinstating Altman as CEO.
- Investors voice discontent, with some advocating Altman’s return.
- OpenAI employees revolt, demanding the board resign and Altman be reinstated. They threaten mass resignations to join Altman otherwise.
November 19th:
- Sam Altman tweets support for the OpenAI team, fueling return rumors.
- Altman and Brockman consider a new AI startup with OpenAI talent.
- Rumors spread of investors willing to back Altman’s new company.
November 20th:
- In a surprise, Altman and others join Microsoft to lead an advanced AI division.
- New OpenAI CEO Emmett Shear and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella signal a shifting collaboration.
- New Leadership at OpenAI: OpenAI announced Emmett Shear, the Co-founder of Twitch will be the new CEO, and OpenAI’s new leadership team, signaling a shift in the collaboration dynamics between Microsoft and OpenAI.
November 21st:
- OpenAI announces Altman’s return as CEO, along with a new initial board of directors.
November 23rd:
- A report by Reuters reveals a secret OpenAI breakthrough “Q*” led to Altman’s initial firing.
The whole OpenAI saga may still continue but the events that transpired this week will be written in AI history forever and probably aired on Netflix next year!. One thing is clear — the OpenAI saga isn’t over yet. Will keep readers updated on any fresh twists in this unfolding story. Stay tuned!
