

# Microsoft Hires OpenAI's Sam Altman Amidst Employee Revolt

In a significant development in the tech industry, **Microsoft** has hired **Sam Altman**, the former CEO of **OpenAI**, and his co-founder **Greg Brockman** (source_1, source_2, source_3). This move comes amidst an ongoing employee revolt at OpenAI, where over 700 employees have threatened to quit if the current board does not resign and reinstate Altman (source_1, source_4).

## The Employee Revolt at OpenAI

The majority of OpenAI staff members, including CTO Mira Murati and COO Brad Lightcap, have threatened to quit unless all board members resign and former CEO Sam Altman is reappointed (source_4). The firing of Altman is seen as jeopardizing the company's mission and work. The letter to the board states that the conduct of the board members showed incompetence in overseeing OpenAI (source_4). 

> "Your conduct has made it clear you did not have the competence to oversee OpenAI." - OpenAI employees in the letter to the board (source_4)

## Microsoft's Strategic Move

Microsoft's decision to hire Altman and Brockman is seen as a strategic move that could potentially shield the company from the negative consequences of the situation at OpenAI (source_1). Microsoft's stock price reached an all-time high after the announcement (source_1). Hiring Altman and other key OpenAI talent would give Microsoft more control over the technology that is important for its future (source_1).

> "Satya and my top priority remains to ensure OpenAI continues to thrive." - Sam Altman (source_3)

## Potential Consequences

The ongoing situation at OpenAI has raised concerns about the future of the company and its services. Without Microsoft's support, OpenAI would face difficulties in delivering its services (source_3). The fate of **ChatGPT**, an AI chatbot used by millions of people, is at stake (source_3). 

> "We are committed to fully providing continuity of operations to our partners and customers; the OpenAI/Microsoft partnership makes this very doable." - Sam Altman (source_3)

The situation also presents an opportunity for other tech companies. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has announced that the company will match the pay and equity compensation of OpenAI researchers who resign in protest of Altman's removal (source_2).

## Differing Perspectives

While some view Microsoft's move as a strategic win, others express concerns about the long-term viability of OpenAI. Todd Florence, the chief information officer of Estes Express Lines, expressed concerns about the long-term viability of OpenAI following these events (source_1).

The unfolding events at OpenAI and Microsoft's involvement have highlighted the complexities and potential power dynamics in the tech industry. The situation underscores the importance of leadership and the potential impact of internal conflicts on a company's future. As the events continue to unfold, the tech industry will be watching closely to see how the situation at OpenAI is resolved and what impact it will have on the future of AI technology.

<h1>Microsoft Hires OpenAI's Sam Altman Amidst Employee Revolt</h1>
<p>In a significant development in the tech industry, <strong>Microsoft</strong> has hired <strong>Sam Altman</strong>, the former CEO of <strong>OpenAI</strong>, and his co-founder <strong>Greg Brockman</strong> (source_1, source_2, source_3). This move comes amidst an ongoing employee revolt at OpenAI, where over 700 employees have threatened to quit if the current board does not resign and reinstate Altman (source_1, source_4).</p>
<h2>The Employee Revolt at OpenAI</h2>
<p>The majority of OpenAI staff members, including CTO Mira Murati and COO Brad Lightcap, have threatened to quit unless all board members resign and former CEO Sam Altman is reappointed (source_4). The firing of Altman is seen as jeopardizing the company's mission and work. The letter to the board states that the conduct of the board members showed incompetence in overseeing OpenAI (source_4).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Your conduct has made it clear you did not have the competence to oversee OpenAI." - OpenAI employees in the letter to the board (source_4)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Microsoft's Strategic Move</h2>
<p>Microsoft's decision to hire Altman and Brockman is seen as a strategic move that could potentially shield the company from the negative consequences of the situation at OpenAI (source_1). Microsoft's stock price reached an all-time high after the announcement (source_1). Hiring Altman and other key OpenAI talent would give Microsoft more control over the technology that is important for its future (source_1).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Satya and my top priority remains to ensure OpenAI continues to thrive." - Sam Altman (source_3)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Potential Consequences</h2>
<p>The ongoing situation at OpenAI has raised concerns about the future of the company and its services. Without Microsoft's support, OpenAI would face difficulties in delivering its services (source_3). The fate of <strong>ChatGPT</strong>, an AI chatbot used by millions of people, is at stake (source_3).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We are committed to fully providing continuity of operations to our partners and customers; the OpenAI/Microsoft partnership makes this very doable." - Sam Altman (source_3)</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The situation also presents an opportunity for other tech companies. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has announced that the company will match the pay and equity compensation of OpenAI researchers who resign in protest of Altman's removal (source_2).</p>
<h2>Differing Perspectives</h2>
<p>While some view Microsoft's move as a strategic win, others express concerns about the long-term viability of OpenAI. Todd Florence, the chief information officer of Estes Express Lines, expressed concerns about the long-term viability of OpenAI following these events (source_1).</p>
<p>The unfolding events at OpenAI and Microsoft's involvement have highlighted the complexities and potential power dynamics in the tech industry. The situation underscores the importance of leadership and the potential impact of internal conflicts on a company's future. As the events continue to unfold, the tech industry will be watching closely to see how the situation at OpenAI is resolved and what impact it will have on the future of AI technology.</p>


Business Insider

Why you should care about Sam Altman, Microsoft, and the OpenAI CEO mess

95% of OpenAI workers have threatened to quit if Sam Altman is not reinstated as CEO

Wall Street Journal

Heard on the Street Recap: AI Drama

OpenAI Turmoil Leaves Some CIOs Questioning the AI Powerhouse’s Future

Fox Business

Salesforce moves to recruit unsettled OpenAI workers amid Altman departure

Microsoft adds Sam Altman in poker-player move as OpenAI left twisting

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Employee Revolt

Microsoft hires Sam Altman, former CEO of OpenAI, amidst an employee revolt at OpenAI. Over 700 employees threaten to quit if the board does not resign and reinstate Altman.

Microsoft Hires OpenAI's Sam Altman Amidst Employee Revolt

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