Altman will lead new AI research team at Microsoft
Sam Altman, former CEO of OpenAI, has been hired by Microsoft to head a newly formed team focused on artificial intelligence, the company announced. Microsoft’s CEO and Chairman, Satya Nadella, shared the news on Monday, revealing that Altman, alongside OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman and other former OpenAI employees, will lead the team in developing advanced AI technologies.
Nadella expressed excitement about the collaboration and emphasized that Microsoft would provide the team with the necessary resources for success. He also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working with OpenAI’s new leadership, including interim CEO Emmett Shear, while continuing their $13 billion investment in the AI startup.
Altman’s departure from OpenAI came as a shock to the tech world after the company’s board accused him of being “not consistently candid in his communications,” leading to his abrupt dismissal. Despite efforts to bring him back, reports surfaced that Altman would not be returning to OpenAI. This news led to the resignation of Brockman and three senior researchers from OpenAI.
Altman, who became the face of AI innovation with the launch of ChatGPT and GPT-4, reflected on his firing on social media, describing it as a surreal experience. He also pointed out that, unlike other tech founders, he did not have equity in OpenAI, which allowed the board to terminate him at any time.
Altman, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015, has been a prominent figure in the AI community, frequently speaking about the potential impacts of AI and appearing before the US Congress. His influence was recognized by New York Magazine and Time magazine, both of which highlighted his role as one of the most influential figures in AI in 2023.
