Sam Altman Returns as CEO of OpenAI: A Dramatic Comeback Shakes the AI Industry

In a surprising turn of events, Sam Altman is set to return as CEO of artificial intelligence firm OpenAI, just days after being ousted in a boardroom coup. OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT, announced that it had reached an agreement in principle for Altman to come back to the company, stating that they were collaborating to finalize the details. Altman, in a statement on Twitter, expressed his love for OpenAI and his dedication to keeping the team and its mission intact. He also mentioned his excitement about returning to the company.

Alongside Altman's return, OpenAI will appoint a new board consisting of chair Bret Taylor, Larry Summers, and Adam D'Angelo. Greg Brockman, Altman's fellow co-founder who left the company following Altman's departure, will also be returning. Brockman announced that he will be getting back to coding tonight, signaling his commitment to OpenAI.

This announcement comes at the end of a tumultuous week for OpenAI. Altman left the company under a cloud, with the board of directors stating that he was not consistently candid in his communications with them, hindering their ability to fulfill their responsibilities. The board also expressed a lack of confidence in Altman's ability to continue leading OpenAI. Brockman, in solidarity with Altman, quit the company and joined Microsoft to lead an in-house advanced AI research team.

Facing a staff revolt, with over 90% of employees threatening to follow Altman to his new venture, and investors considering legal action, OpenAI engaged in intense discussions to reinstate Altman as CEO. The company's first order of business will likely be a reorganization of its governance structure, which was originally designed to prioritize safety in AI development over profit considerations. This structure has come under scrutiny, and Microsoft's involvement as OpenAI's primary investor may have played a role in the recent events.

Altman's return as CEO of OpenAI marks a significant development in the company's story. It remains to be seen how Altman and the new board will navigate the challenges ahead and steer OpenAI towards its mission of responsible and beneficial AI development.