Sam Altman will not resume the role of OpenAI CEO following unsuccessful discussions-Says report.

Following Sam Altman's departure, the board has allegedly appointed Emmett Shear, co-founder of the video streaming site Twitch, as its third leader within the span of three days.

Sam Altman image
Image Source


Reports suggest that Sam Altman will not be resuming his role as the chief executive of OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, following unsuccessful discussions for his reinstatement. Instead, the non-profit board of the San Francisco-based company has reportedly appointed Emmett Shear, co-founder of the video streaming site Twitch, as OpenAI's third CEO in as many days.

On Friday, Altman was dismissed following allegations of a lack of "consistent candor in communications" with the board, causing a ripple effect through Silicon Valley. In response, OpenAI's investors, spearheaded by Microsoft, initiated efforts to reinstate Altman, leading to discussions over a potential reversal during the weekend. Altman even shared a photo on Twitter, featuring himself wearing a guest pass outside OpenAI's offices.

Nevertheless, the discussions proved unsuccessful, resulting in OpenAI's board naming Shear as the interim CEO, displacing Mira Murati, who had briefly taken on the role following Altman's departure. The initial report on Altman's unsuccessful reinstatement was disclosed by the tech news site, the Information.

On Sunday, Altman shared a picture of himself on X, donning an OpenAI guest badge, with the caption "first and last time I ever wear one of these." The Wall Street Journal had previously indicated that Altman's potential return hinged on the establishment of a new board and governance structure. Altman was reportedly contemplating the possibility of launching a new venture with former colleagues from OpenAI.

sam altman's twitter post
Source twitter


Reports suggest that Altman and former Apple design chief Jony Ive have been in talks about developing a new AI hardware device. Additionally, it was reported that Masayoshi Son, the CEO of SoftBank, has been part of the discussions.


Reports indicate that Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, played a mediating role in the discussions between Altman and the board.


Altman's abrupt dismissal on Friday sent shockwaves through the tech sector and the OpenAI staff. Altman was not only considered the face of the company but also a representative figure for the AI sector at large. According to The Verge, there were concerns that other employees might depart if Altman did not make a return.


In an earlier report, a memo from OpenAI's Chief Strategy Officer, Jason Kwon, was quoted, informing the staff about ongoing efforts to reinstate Altman and other departed senior colleagues. Following Altman's departure, OpenAI witnessed the resignations of Greg Brockman, the company's president, along with three senior researchers: Jakub Pachocki, Aleksander Mądry, and Szymon Sidor.


Kwon was cited stating, "We are still working towards a resolution, and we remain optimistic. By resolution, we mean bringing back Sam, Greg, Jakub, Szymon, Aleksander, and other colleagues (sorry if I missed you!) and remaining the place where people who want to work on AGI [artificial general intelligence] research, safety, products, and policy can do their best work," according to information from The Information.


OpenAI operates under the governance of a non-profit parent organization and a board. The board oversees a for-profit subsidiary, where Altman served as CEO. Following the exits of Altman and President Brockman, who resigned in the aftermath of Altman's firing, the board currently comprises four members: OpenAI's chief scientist, Ilya Sutskever, and three individuals who are not employed by the organization.


Summary :

    • Emmett Shear, co-founder of Twitch, has been appointed as the interim CEO of OpenAI after Sam Altman's departure.
    • Altman, the former CEO, will not be returning following unsuccessful discussions for reinstatement.
    • Reports suggest that talks to bring back Altman failed, leading to the appointment of Emmett Shear.
    • Altman was fired on Friday due to alleged issues with consistent communication with the board
    • Altman's departure had a significant impact, causing shockwaves in Silicon Valley and concerns among OpenAI staff.
    • Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, reportedly played a mediating role in the discussions between Altman and the board.
    • Altman's potential return was conditioned on a new board and governance structure.
    • Altman considered starting a new AI hardware device project, with discussions involving Jony Ive and Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank.
    • Following Altman's departure, OpenAI saw resignations, including President Greg Brockman and three senior researchers.
    • OpenAI's Chief Strategy Officer, Jason Kwon, communicated ongoing efforts to reinstate Altman and other senior colleagues.
    • The goal is to create a resolution that brings back key individuals and maintains a conducive environment for AI research and development.
    • OpenAI is governed by a non-profit parent and a board overseeing a for-profit subsidiary.
    • The current board comprises four members, including Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever and three external individuals.