OpenAI developed the generative AI platform ChatGPT, which has become one of the world’s fastest-growing software application since its chatbot launched a year ago.

Back then OpenAI made headlines for using deep-learning technology to train artificial intelligence systems to perform tasks, but now it’s making waves for it’s executive shakeup. 

In a shock to the tech industry, ChatGPT maker OpenAI ousted co-founder Sam Altman as its CEO on Friday, Nov. 17. In his place, the former CEO of Twitch, Emmett Shear, accepted an appointment by the board to be interim CEO on Sunday, Nov. 19.

Altman quickly accepted a position at Microsoft, becoming CEO of a new research group inside the company. Microsoft has spent $10 billion backing Open AI. 

By Monday, Nov. 20, almost all of OpenAI’s 700 employees, including some board executives, threatened to quit in a letter demanding the reinstatement of Altman and former President Greg Brockman, sources say. 

Key personnel from OpenAI have reportedly agreed to join Altman at Microsoft, including senior researchers Szymon Sidor and Jakub Pachocki. Microsoft said it will also take on Brockman, and other researchers.

In a surprising twist, Altman and members of the OpenAI board were negotiating his possible return on Tuesday, Nov. 21, Bloomberg reported.

Employees of OpenAI have divided ideals, sources say, with some focused on building artificial general intelligence with protections and guard rails, and others keen on quickly launching more products.

OpenAI’s nonprofit board attempted to slow AI’s development out of safety concerns, but the attempts backfired, consulting firm SemiAnalysis reported.

Microsoft’s massive reserves of computing power have been essential to the development of super intelligent systems that can solve human-level problems, Reuters reports. Microsoft originally supported Altman’s return to OpenAI before hiring him, sources say.

Some investors in OpenAI are exploring legal recourse against the company’s board, sources also say. 

In January of 2023, Sam Altman provided testimony to the U.S. Senate, saying his worst fears would be AI technology causing significant harm to the world.

“I think if this technology goes wrong, it can go quite wrong. And we want to be vocal about that. We want to work with the government to prevent that from happening. But we try to be very clear-eyed about what the downside case is, and the work that we have to do to mitigate that.” Altman said. 

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