After Microsoft enlisted former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to oversee its advanced AI research division named 'Sam,' over 500 ChatGPT employees reportedly expressed their intent to resign and transition to Microsoft. OpenAI, with a workforce of nearly 770 individuals, faced internal unrest.
In a missive addressed to OpenAI's board, obtained by 'Wired,' more than 500 existing OpenAI staff members emphasized that "Microsoft has assured us that there are positions for all OpenAI employees at this new subsidiary should we choose to join." OpenAI's Chief Scientist, Ilya Sutskever, acknowledged regret for his involvement in the board's actions, particularly in the bid to remove Altman, stating, "I never intended to harm OpenAI. I love everything we've built together and will do everything I can to reunite the company."
The letter underscored concerns about the process leading to Altman's termination and Greg Brockman's removal from the board, asserting that it had "undermined our mission and company." Addressing the board's competence, it stated, "Your conduct has made it clear you did not have the competence to oversee OpenAI. When we all unexpectedly learned of your decision, the leadership team of OpenAI acted swiftly to stabilize the company."
The disgruntled employees declared their unwillingness to work with individuals lacking competence, judgment, and care for the mission and employees of OpenAI. They expressed their intention to resign and potentially join Microsoft's newly announced subsidiary under Altman and Brockman, emphasizing that Microsoft had assured positions for all OpenAI employees at the new subsidiary.
The letter concluded with an ultimatum: "We will take this step imminently unless all current board members resign, and the board appoints two new lead independent directors, such as Bret Taylor and Will Hurd, and reinstates Sam Altman and Greg Brockman."
Earlier that Monday, Microsoft's Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella, announced the recruitment of Altman and OpenAI co-founder Brockman to assist the company in pursuing its advanced AI ambitions through a new vertical, also named 'Sam.'
(With agency updates)
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