The OpenAI Boardroom Coup: 'I Love You All, and I'm Going to Destroy the Company'

OpenAI Board StatementMr. Altman's departure follows a deliberative review process by the board, which concluded that he was not consistently candid in his communications with the board, hindering its ability to exercise its responsibilities. The board no longer has confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI.

Sam Altman (internal message)I loved my time at OpenAI. It was transformative for me personally, and hopefully the world a little bit. Most of all I loved working with such talented people. Will have more to say about what's next later.

Greg Brockman (internal message)I'm super proud of what we've all built together since starting in my apartment 8 years ago. We've been through tough and great times together, accomplishing so much despite all the reasons it should have been impossible. But based on today's news, I quit. Genuinely wishing you all nothing but the best. I continue to believe in the mission of creating safe AGI that benefits all of humanity.

Satya Nadella (internal Microsoft memo)We have a long-term agreement with OpenAI with full access to everything we need to deliver on our innovation agenda and an exciting product roadmap. And most importantly, we're committed to our partnership and to Mira and the team. We will continue to support them as they lead the company forward.

Microsoft executive (internal)We're learning about this in real time, same as you. We are in active conversations with the OpenAI board and interim leadership. Our partnership remains intact, and we are committed to Sam and Greg regardless of where they land.

OpenAI employee (internal Slack)What is actually happening? We have zero information. The board won't tell us anything. We're being asked to keep shipping while the CEO is fired for 'not being candid.' What does that even mean?

Ilya Sutskever (internal message)I deeply regret my participation in the board's actions. I never intended to harm OpenAI. I love everything we've built together and I will do everything I can to reunite the company.

Mira Murati (internal message)I'm working to bring Sam and Greg back. The board is in discussions. Please stay focused. We need to keep the company running through this.

OpenAI employee (internal Slack)We are 700 people. The board is 4 people. Who is the company? We are the company. If Sam and Greg aren't back by Monday, we should all walk.

Emmett Shear (X post)Today I got a call inviting me to consider a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to become the interim CEO of OpenAI. After consulting with my family and reflecting on it for just a few hours, I accepted. I took this job because I believe that OpenAI is one of the most important companies currently in existence.

OpenAI employee (internal Slack)Who is Emmett Shear? The board just hired a Twitch streamer to run the most important AI company in the world? This is insane.

Emmett Shear (internal message)I have a three-point plan for the next 30 days: hire an independent investigator to dig into the entire process leading up to this point and generate a full report; continue to speak to as many of our employees, partners, investors, and customers as possible; and reform the management and leadership team in light of recent departures into an effective force to drive results for our customers.

Satya Nadella (X post)We remain committed to our partnership with OpenAI and have confidence in our product roadmap. We look forward to getting to know Emmett Shear and the new leadership team. And we're extremely excited to share the news that Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, together with colleagues, will be joining Microsoft to lead a new advanced AI research team.

Sam Altman (X post)The mission continues.

OpenAI employee (internal Slack)They just hired Sam and Greg. Microsoft is literally going to acquire OpenAI for free. The entire company is going to walk across the street. This is the most insane thing I've ever seen.

OpenAI Employee Letter (signed by 747 of 770 employees)We, the undersigned, may choose to resign from OpenAI and join the newly announced Microsoft subsidiary run by Sam Altman and Greg Brockman. Microsoft has assured us that there are positions for all OpenAI employees at this new subsidiary should we choose to join. We will take this step imminently unless all current board members resign, and the board appoints two new lead independent directors, and reinstates Sam Altman and Greg Brockman.

Ilya Sutskever (X post)I signed the letter. I deeply regret my participation in the board's actions. I never intended to harm OpenAI.

OpenAI board member (internal)We have received the letter. We are evaluating our options. The board's primary responsibility is to the mission of the organization, not to any individual.

OpenAI StatementWe have reached an agreement in principle for Sam Altman to return to OpenAI as CEO with a new initial board of Bret Taylor (Chair), Larry Summers, and Adam D'Angelo. We are collaborating to figure out the details. Thank you so much for your patience through this.

Sam Altman (internal message)I'm returning to OpenAI as CEO. Mira will return as CTO. The new initial board will consist of Bret Taylor (Chair), Larry Summers, and Adam D'Angelo. I have never been more excited about the future. I'm extremely grateful for everyone's hard work in an unclear and unprecedented situation, and I believe our resilience and spirit set us apart in the industry. I feel so, so good about our probability of success for achieving our mission.

Satya Nadella (X post)We are encouraged by the changes to the OpenAI board. We believe this is a first essential step on a path to more stable, well-informed, and effective governance. Sam, Greg, and I have talked and agreed they have a key role to play along with the OAI leadership team in ensuring OAI continues to thrive and build on its mission.

OpenAI employee (internal Slack)We did it. Five days. Sam's back. The board is gone. Let's never do this again. Back to building.

Sam Altman (internal message)I'm sure there will be books written about this. I'm not going to write one. I'm going to focus on the mission. We have a lot of work to do. The most important thing is that we stay together as a team and stay focused on safely building AGI that benefits all of humanity. That's what this has always been about.

Bret Taylor (Board Chair statement)The board and Sam have agreed to an independent review of the events leading up to the board's action. We will share the findings when the review is complete. In the meantime, we are focused on moving forward.