The workforce of the ChatGPT developer has stepped in amidst the back-and-forth regarding Sam Altman’s role at OpenAI. In an open letter, hundreds of employees are demanding the immediate resignation of the entire board and the reinstatement of Sam Altman and Greg Brockman to lead OpenAI. They express an inability “to work for or with individuals lacking competence, judgment, and diligence.”
“The company we work for and value has never been in a stronger position until now,” the open letter states. However, the “process by which you dismissed Sam Altman and removed Greg Brockman from the board has jeopardized this work, undermined our mission, and our company.” The board’s actions have “clearly demonstrated your lack of competence in leading OpenAI.”
Today, it was announced that Altman would lead a new AI research team at Microsoft. Altman’s supporters are threatening to resign from OpenAI and join Microsoft. Microsoft has assured that there are positions available for all interested OpenAI employees.
Just as the board withdrew its confidence from Sam Altman on Friday, now significant portions of the workforce are withdrawing their confidence from the board.
The board has been unable to substantiate the allegations of dishonesty against Altman. If the current 514 signatories of the open letter were to leave the company, which currently employs around 750 individuals, it could potentially spell the end for OpenAI.
The first name on the signature list is OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer, Mira Murati, who served as the interim CEO for two days following Sam Altman’s unexpected departure.
Her support for Altman might be a reason why she was replaced over the weekend by former Twitch CEO Emmett Shear. Shear is now set to temporarily lead OpenAI until a permanent successor is found.
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