Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has criticized OpenAI for not consulting with the company before firing former CEO Sam Altman. He believes that it was the “very least” the board could have done, given Microsoft’s significant investment in the company and its use of OpenAI’s technology.
Nadella explained that he thinks someone should have thought about why Altman chose Microsoft twice, as OpenAI wouldn’t exist without Microsoft’s deep partnership on its mission. He added that as a partner, Microsoft deserved to be consulted on big decisions.
OpenAI abruptly announced Altman’s removal last Friday, with the board stating that he was not consistently candid in his communications with them but did not provide further details. This led to chaos over the weekend and resulted in the appointment of former Twitch chief Emmett Shear as OpenAI’s interim CEO.
Nadella announced on Monday that he had hired Altman and former OpenAI president Greg Brockman to head Microsoft’s new advanced AI research team. However, it seems that the drama isn’t over yet, as nearly all of OpenAI’s staff are threatening to quit unless the board resigns and Altman returns as CEO. Nadella is prepared for this possibility and stated that Microsoft will provide a place for all AI talent to come forward and move forward on their mission while supporting whoever remains at OpenAI or elsewhere.
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