Discover the shocking timeline of Sam Altman’s ousting from OpenAI in November 2023, followed by his dramatic return just days later. Learn the key details of this pivotal moment in AI history.
Table of Contents
Question
When was Sam Altman shockingly ousted from OpenAI, before returning shortly after?
A. January 2024
B. August 2023
C. November 2023
D. September 2024
Answer
C. November 2023
Explanation
Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, was unexpectedly ousted by the company’s board of directors on November 17, 2023. The board cited a lack of confidence in his leadership, alleging that he had not been “consistently candid” in his communications with them. This decision sent shockwaves through the tech industry, as Altman had been a central figure in AI innovation and a public face for OpenAI’s groundbreaking advancements like ChatGPT and GPT-4 Turbo.
Key Events Leading to and Following the Ouster
- November 17, 2023: Altman was removed as CEO following a board review. Mira Murati, OpenAI’s CTO, was initially appointed as interim CEO.
- November 19, 2023: Emmett Shear, former CEO of Twitch, replaced Murati as interim CEO amid escalating tensions.
- November 20, 2023: Nearly all OpenAI employees (745 out of 770) signed a letter demanding Altman’s reinstatement and threatening mass resignations if the board did not step down.
- November 22, 2023: After immense pressure from employees and investors—particularly Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest backer—Altman was reinstated as CEO. A restructured board was also announced to resolve the crisis.
Why Was Altman Removed?
The exact reasons remain unclear but reportedly involved concerns about his handling of AI safety issues and alleged communication lapses regarding critical projects like “Q*,” a secretive initiative aimed at advancing AI capabilities in logical reasoning. The board’s decision was not linked to financial malfeasance but reflected broader concerns about transparency and governance268.
The Fallout and Resolution
Altman’s firing led to significant upheaval:
- Co-founder Greg Brockman resigned immediately after Altman’s removal.
- Microsoft offered Altman a position to lead a new AI research division during the turmoil.
- The employee revolt and external pressure ultimately forced the board to reverse its decision.
This dramatic episode highlighted both the challenges of managing cutting-edge AI organizations and the critical role of leadership in navigating ethical and operational complexities.
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