The world was left serenaded by the phenomenon of generative AI with the release of a revolutionary AI-based tool ChatGPT in November 2022. Today, the face and voice behind this technological breakthrough, Sam Altman, has been sacked from his position of CEO by the Board Members of its company OpenAI. This unprecedented and shocking move has come as a jolt to the technological industry as many viewed him as a key figure in shaping the future of AI.
A lack of candor has been stated as the reason behind the termination of Mr. Altman, a sought-after voice on the potential benefits and risks of artificial intelligence. “Mr. 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 company said in a blog post. “The board no longer has confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI.”
The decision prompted reorganization at OpenAI. Mira Murati, who previously held the position of Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer, according to the company's announcement. Shortly thereafter, Greg Brockman, the President of the company, announced his resignation.
Mr. Altman was invited to participate in a video conference with the board at noon on Friday and was promptly terminated, as stated by Mr. Brockman. Despite being the chairman of the board, Mr. Brockman revealed that he was not involved in this particular board meeting. He mentioned that the board notified him of Mr. Altman's removal just minutes later. The board released a blog post around the same time.
Prominent figures in Silicon Valley, such as former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, have expressed support for Mr. Altman, with Schmidt going so far as to label him a "hero of mine." Just like him, the whole world cannot wait to see what Sam Altman does next.
