- Hundreds of OpenAI employees, including co-founder Ilya Sutskever, signed a letter demanding the board resign or they will leave to join Sam Altman’s new AI venture at Microsoft. The letter accuses the board of being “incapable of overseeing OpenAI.”
- The board forced out CEO Sam Altman over unspecified issues with his communications, prompting backlash from employees. The board unsuccessfully tried to negotiate Altman’s return.
- The letter states Microsoft offered jobs to all OpenAI employees at a new AI subsidiary under Altman and Brockman. It says employees may resign en masse if the board does not resign.
Hundreds of OpenAI employees, including co-founder Ilya Sutskever, have signed a letter demanding the board resign or they will leave to join Sam Altman‘s new AI venture at Microsoft. The letter accuses the board of being “incapable of overseeing OpenAI.”
Background on the Board Dispute
On Friday, OpenAI’s board forced out CEO Sam Altman over unspecified issues with his communications. This prompted backlash from employees and investors. The board attempted to negotiate Altman’s return but was unsuccessful.
On Sunday, Microsoft announced Altman and fellow co-founder Greg Brockman would lead a new AI subsidiary there. Microsoft said their OpenAI colleagues were also invited to join.
Employees Demand Board Resignation
The employee letter states the board’s actions have “jeopardized” OpenAI’s work and mission. It says the board has not provided evidence to justify removing Altman and Brockman.
The letter claims the board negotiated in bad faith and rapidly replaced interim CEO Mira Murati against the company’s interests. It accuses the board of lacking competence and care for OpenAI’s mission.
Microsoft’s Job Offer to OpenAI Employees
The letter says Microsoft has offered jobs to all OpenAI employees at the new subsidiary under Altman and Brockman. It states employees may resign from OpenAI en masse to join Microsoft if the board does not resign.
Signatories include senior executives like former interim CEO Murati and COO Brad Lightcap. The letter has about 667 signatories, while OpenAI has around 770 employees.
Conclusion paragraph: The board dispute has thrown OpenAI into turmoil just as it solidified its position as a leading AI company. The employees’ letter shows deep internal rifts, and many key personnel may depart if the board does not meet their demands.
