In an assertive stand against their board, 505 out of 700 OpenAI employees have threatened to resign if the board does not step down. This comes in the wake of the firing of CEO Sam Altman and the potential shift of allegiance to Microsoft, indicating a significant upheaval within one of the leading AI research organizations.
X post of Kara Swisher, a highly respected journalist renowned for her in-depth coverage of the tech industry:
Key Takeaways:
- Widespread Dissent: A significant majority of OpenAI staff have lost confidence in their board following the dismissal of CEO Sam Altman, pushing the company into a state of internal crisis.
- Ultimatum Issued: The employees have made it clear: reinstate the ousted leadership, or they will resign. This collective bargaining shows a united front rarely seen in corporate scenarios.
- Microsoft as the New Haven: With Sam Altman’s new role at Microsoft, the tech giant may become the new home for the dissenting OpenAI employees, potentially altering the competitive landscape in AI research.
- Implications for AI Development: The outcome of this power struggle could significantly impact the direction of OpenAI’s projects and partnerships, especially with Microsoft’s involvement.
- Leadership in Question: The credibility and future composition of OpenAI’s board are in jeopardy, with high-profile employees and industry onlookers watching closely.
505 OpenAI employees threaten to quit after Altman fired and his successor was replaced | CNN Business
Hundreds of OpenAI staffers are calling for the resignation of the company’s board, and threatening to quit themselves, after a tumultuous weekend that began with the surprise ouster of CEO Sam Altman and ended with Altman being hired by Microsoft.