OpenAI, the developer of the popular AI chatbox ChatGPT, officially fired its Chief Executive and Co-Founder Sam Altman on Friday.
The company shakeup significantly stunned the AI industry as CEO Altman has a positive reputation in the space of technology, largely contributing to the existence of the viral free-to-use AI system today.
Issue
According to the press release, OpenAI’s decision to oust CEO Sam Altman was because “he was not consistently candid in his communications with the board.”
However, the board of directors who conducted a deliberative review process did not elaborate on the specific violation of the tech wizard, apart from explaining that his inconsistency was “hindering its ability to exercise its responsibilities.”
OpenAI indicated that its Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati will immediately act as interim CEO upon Altman’s departure from the company.
“OpenAI was deliberately structured to advance our mission: to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all humanity. The board remains fully committed to serving this mission. We are grateful for Sam’s many contributions to the founding and growth of OpenAI. At the same time, we believe new leadership is necessary as we move forward. As the leader of the company’s research, product, and safety functions, Mira is exceptionally qualified to step into the role of interim CEO. We have the utmost confidence in her ability to lead OpenAI during this transition period.”
OpenAI
OpenAI’s ex-CEO also commented on the major management changes via an X post:
ChatGPT loses its fundraiser
According to Rappler, the sudden departure of Sam Altman left a “big hole” in OpenAI’s fundraising initiatives, as software maintenance is extremely expensive.
For context, ex-CEO Altman singlehandedly gained Microsoft boss Satya Nadella to invest $10 billion in OpenAI. The company assured employees on Friday that its partnership with Microsoft will continue despite the absence of Altman.
“Microsoft remains committed to Mira and their team as we bring this next era of AI to our customers.”
OpenAI spokesperson told Reuters
Apart from that, Altman has also been managing the organization’s tender offer transaction in 2023. Remarkably, his leadership boosted the company’s market valuation from just $29 billion to over $80 billion.
In addition, he also sourced talents from tech giants like Google and Microsoft, among others.
All that said, it is unsurprising that numerous tech enthusiasts wonder what Altman actually did that cost him his position at the company.
About OpenAI
OpenAI officially launched as a non-profit in 2015 with a primary goal of advancing artificial general intelligence (AGI) technology to “benefit all humanity.”
Four years later, the company reorganized as it sought to raise funds to fuel its operations and achieve its missions. Most of its board members are independent, with no stake in OpenAI.
Sam Altman has been leading the AI advancement since the launch of the ChatGPT in November 2022. The free-to-use AI chatbot successfully expanded its community with over 100 million users in less than a year.
All that said, his dismissal will undoubtedly leave a significant void in the company he helped build and grow. It would be exciting to see how Altman would proceed in his AI development career in the coming months.
