Negotiations to Reinstate Altman Underway Amidst CEO Search

In the aftermath of OpenAI’s surprising move to oust CEO Sam Altman, the company’s interim Chief Executive Officer, Mira Murati, is in discussions to bring back Altman and former President Greg Brockman.

These negotiations are part of a broader attempt to navigate the complex aftermath of Altman’s removal.

Murati, who assumed the interim CEO role after Altman’s departure, is reportedly in talks with Adam D’Angelo, the CEO of Quora Inc., who is acting as a representative of the OpenAI board.

The goal is to re-hire both Altman and Brockman, though the specific roles have yet to be defined.

Simultaneously, members of the OpenAI board are actively seeking a new CEO to replace Altman.

This move, if successful, would be a significant deviation from the desires of major investors, including Microsoft Corp. and Thrive Capital, who have advocated for Altman’s reinstatement.

The ongoing efforts to both reinstate Altman and appoint a new CEO highlight the internal divisions within OpenAI.

Altman’s removal came after clashes with the board over the pace of transforming OpenAI from a nonprofit into a commercially viable entity, with safety concerns surrounding technology development being a key point of contention.

Investors were reportedly caught off guard by Altman’s removal, leading to widespread discontent.

The dispute has raised questions about the direction of OpenAI and the balance between commercial viability and safety considerations in developing advanced technologies.

As negotiations continue, the future roles of Altman and Brockman remain uncertain, emphasizing the challenges OpenAI faces in finding a resolution that satisfies all parties involved.