Microsoft Hires Ousted OpenAI CEO Sam Altman for New AI Team
Microsoft brings on former OpenAI leader Sam Altman and president Greg Brockman to spearhead a new advanced AI research division. This strategic move protects Microsoft's massive investment after the OpenAI board refuses to reinstate Altman.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announces that the tech giant hires ousted OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and president Greg Brockman to lead a new advanced AI research team. This bold move follows the OpenAI board's sudden firing of Altman on Friday and Brockman's subsequent resignation in protest. Despite the leadership upheaval, Nadella expresses continued commitment to OpenAI and confidence in their shared product roadmap.
The swift hiring comes after Microsoft reportedly attempts to reinstate Altman and Brockman at OpenAI over the weekend. When the OpenAI board confirms Altman will not return and names Twitch co-founder Emmett Shear as interim CEO, Microsoft faces a potentially disastrous market reaction. By bringing the sought-after founders in-house, Nadella effectively spares Microsoft's stock price and secures the best of both worlds.
Nadella compares the new addition to Microsoft's successful integrations of GitHub, Mojang Studios, and LinkedIn founders under its corporate umbrella. Altman responds simply by stating that the mission continues, signaling an immediate focus on the future. With $13 billion already invested in OpenAI, Microsoft now holds enormous influence in the AI sector both as a primary partner and as the direct employer of OpenAI's original visionary leaders.