The OpenAI Epic: From Sam Altman to Satya Nadella and Ilya Sutskever – Meet the Stars!

The OpenAI saga continues on its fifth day, with unexpected developments unfolding. Despite expectations that Sam Altman, the former CEO of OpenAI, would join Microsoft to head their AI division, CEO Satya Nadella’s enigmatic interviews indicate uncertainty about Altman’s future. Additionally, Ilya Sutskever’s recent post expressing remorse for his involvement in the board’s decisions, along with the possibility of over 500 OpenAI employees resigning, adds further intrigue to this story, ensuring its lasting impact in Silicon Valley.

But if this saga has left you confused, you need to know the main characters of this entire show and their roles in bringing about this cataclysmic event. Let’s see.

Sam Altman, former CEO, OpenAI

There have been many rumors and claims about what was the real reason behind the sudden firing of the person who had become a “superstar” in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). However, the official reason given by the OpenAI board was a lack of consistency in open communication with the board.

According to reports, Altman was fired over a video conference and a public announcement was made within an hour. The ousted Altman then issued a joint statement with OpenAI’s then-president Greg Brockman, who also left the company. While many thought the story would end there, it turns out that interim CEO Mira Murati and about 500 OpenAI employees led an internal protest that threatened to leave the company if Altman wasn’t reinstated. Altman also said that he would only rejoin if the entire board was removed. He also gave it a deadline – twice. Nothing came of it. Once again, people believed that this was the end of the story.

But there was still one twist left. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella came out of nowhere and offered Altman and Brockman a position at the company, asking them to lead the entire AI division. Reports even suggested that Altman could become part of the same OpenAI board with Microsoft demanding a seat at the table.

But now, once again, it looks like Altman may be returning to OpenAI.

Greg Brockman, former president of OpenAI

Brockman played the role of the perfect friend who left as soon as he learned of Altman’s firing, even if his dismissal as chairman of the board was also a contributing factor. However, OpenA’s board said Brockman could continue as president. Brockman later released a joint statement highlighting how unfairly they were treated. Right now, his status is as unclear as Altman’s.

Ilja Sutskever, lead researcher, OpenAI

Sutskever went through the entire redemption arc in just four days, starting with being the face of evil that led to Altman’s firing and Brockman’s removal from office. However, his involvement in the saga for the next 2 and a half days is not clear. Now, the lead researcher may have had a sudden change of heart when he took on X and in a message expressed his deep regret for his involvement in the government and claimed he would do everything he could to “reunite the company.” Altman responded with a heart emoji that showed he had no grudge against Ilya.

Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft

Altman’s team and the OpenAI board viewed this saga as a personal battle, but Microsoft’s CEO sensed an opportunity. He stirred the pot on Monday by announcing that Altman and Brockman “will join Microsoft to lead a new advanced artificial intelligence research group.” This would be a great coup considering that they would underpin the greatest talents that made OpenAI what it is today. An enthusiastic Nadella even said that every OpenAI employee who leaves the company will also find a job at Microsoft.

However, it’s not certain whether those dreams will come true, as Nadella also suggested that Altman might return to OpenAI in an interview today.

Mira Murati, CTO, OpenAI

Now we move on to the supporting characters of this saga, who still had moments worth mentioning. Murati served as Altman’s CTO, but was named interim CEO after his resignation. He became one of the shortest interim CEOs in the history of corporate America. Why, because he seemed to side with Altman on the board. After running the company all weekend, he too was sent packing when Emmett Shear, Twitch’s founder, was named the new interim CEO on Monday.

OpenAI board

In addition to Sutskever, other board members include independent directors Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo, technology entrepreneur Tasha McCauley and Georgetown Center for Security and Emerging Technology Helen Toner. The four were involved in firing Altman, removing Brockman as chairman, and hiring Murat and Shear as interim CEOs. Altman has said that if he plans to rejoin OpenAI, non-board members must resign.