How OpenAI pulled off Sam Altman's return? ‘72 intense hours of work,’ reveals interim CEO Shear

The Twitch co-founder was appointed as interim OpenAI CEO on November 20, three days after Altman's ouster.

Published on: Nov 22, 2023, 14:03:49 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Twitch co-founder Emmett Shear, who joined OpenAI as interim CEO following Sam Altman's ouster, on Wednesday revealed it took ‘72 very intense hours of work’ for the company to pull off Altman's return, adding that he himself was ‘glad to have been a part of the solution.’

Also Read: Sam Altman to return as OpenAI CEO, says 'love this company'

“I am deeply pleased by this result after ~72 very intense hours of work. Coming into OpenAI, I wasn’t sure what the right path would be. This was the pathway that maximized safety alongside doing right by all stakeholders involved. I’m glad to have been a part of the solution,” Shear posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the San Francisco-based AI research firm announced Altman's reinstatement as CEO.

On November 20, three days after the 38-year-old's ouster, the Twitch co-founder and its ex-CEO was approached to lead OpenAI on an interim basis; he accepted the offer, calling it a ‘once -in-a-lifetime opportunity.’

Initially, Mira Murati, the firm's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), was appointed to oversee Altman's responsibilities until a full-time successor was found.

Sam Altman's ouster, and return

In a sudden development on November 17, the AI research firm sacked Altman; this prompted Greg Brockman, the company's President, to resign in protest. They were subsequently hired by Microsoft – OpenAI's largest investor – to lead a new advanced AI research team at the tech giant.

Also Read: Satya Nadella's reaction as Sam Altman returns to OpenAI

In the meantime, more than 500 OpenAI employees, accounting for over 65% of its 770-strong workforce, threatened to resign and join their former CEO at Microsoft if he was not reinstated.

This prompted the ChatGPT creator to begin ‘intense discussions,’ which ultimately resulted in both Altman and Brockman coming back.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Stay updated with the latest Technology News, gadget launches, app updates, artificial intelligence and digital trends. Find reviews, comparisons and useful insights from the world of tech.