Large-Scale Employee Backlash: 505 OpenAI Staff Demand Reinstatement of Sam Altman and Board Resignation
OpenAI employees unite, demanding board resignation & contemplating mass exodus following the unexpected firing of CEO Sam Altman, who has now been recruited by Microsoft
Over 500 OpenAI employees are demanding the board of ChatGPT company to step down and have stated their intention to resign following a chaotic weekend that commenced with the unexpected removal of CEO Sam Altman and concluded with Altman's employment at Microsoft. The employees, as stated in a letter obtained by CNN, criticized the OpenAI board for mishandling the termination of Altman, lacking adequate evidence to support their claims that Altman had been dishonest with the board, and engaging in dishonest negotiations with the company's executive leadership.
The employees expressed that your actions have clearly demonstrated your inability to effectively supervise OpenAI. They stated that they cannot continue to work for or with individuals who lack competency, good judgement, and concern for our mission and employees.
Additionally, the employees issued a direct warning that they will soon join Altman at Microsoft unless the board steps down and reinstates both Altman and Greg Brockman, the former OpenAI president who was also dismissed by the board last Friday.
Mira Murati, who was recently named as Altmans interim successor, and Ilya Sutskever, OpenAIs co-founder, chief scientist, and board member, were among the signatories. Sutskever, who was rumored to have played a role in Altmans dismissal, posted an apology on X on Monday, acknowledging his contribution to the leadership crisis. The crisis seemed to be centered around tensions between Altman and the board regarding the speed and extent of AI development. Muratis promotion has been surpassed by the appointment of incoming interim CEO Emmett Shear.
"I sincerely apologize for my involvement in the actions taken by the board," he expressed. "My intentions were never to cause harm to OpenAI. I cherish everything we have accomplished together and I am committed to doing everything in my power to reconcile the company."
The letter sheds light on the internal divisions within OpenAI that have become public following Altmans dismissal, further raising uncertainty about the future of OpenAI's three non-employee board members. This includes Quora CEO Adam D'Angelo, technology entrepreneur Tasha McCauley, and Helen Toner, the director of strategy and foundational research grants at Georgetown University's Center for Security and Emerging Technology.
The letter stated that in handling the consequences of Altmans termination, the board members informed the leadership team that it aligns with OpenAI's mission to protect the company from destruction. OpenAI's mission is to ensure that the benefits of artificial general intelligence are accessible to all of humanity. The criticism from senior employees highlights the strong support Altmans enjoys and presents an opportunity for Microsoft to gain advantages from the situation.
"According to the letter, Microsoft has confirmed that there are job opportunities available for all employees of OpenAI."
After Sutskever shared his message with X, Altman further highlighted the apology by quoting it. He supplemented the post with a brief commentary, consisting of three heart emojis.
This story has been updated with additional information.
