Altman, Brockman Join Microsoft After OpenAI Exits

Redmond, WA – Microsoft announced it is bringing on former OpenAI leaders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman to head up a new advanced artificial intelligence research team.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared the news in a post last week, just days after Altman was removed as CEO of OpenAI over issues with board transparency. Brockman, OpenAI’s president, also departed the company.

Nadella expressed excitement to have Altman and Brockman join Microsoft, stating “The mission continues.” Altman retweeted the post in apparent agreement.

the mission continues https://t.co/d1pHiFxcSe

— Sam Altman (@sama) November 20, 2023

The two AI experts were ousted from OpenAI on November 17th after its board of directors cited a lack of candid communication from Altman during reviews. Brockman stepped down from the board in response.

In a post, Brockman said he was “shocked and saddened” by the board’s decision, claiming he was outright removed rather than voluntarily resigning.

OpenAI appointed CTO Mira Murati as interim CEO upon the shakeup. Murati helped develop OpenAI’s ChatGPT and other influential AI systems.

Read also! Worldcoin Token Swings Wildly as Altman Saga Unfolds

While no longer leading OpenAI day-to-day, Altman and Brockman appear poised to drive Microsoft’s artificial intelligence ambitions forward. The team will operate outside of Microsoft’s existing engineering divisions.

Nadella reaffirmed Microsoft’s commitment to its partnership with OpenAI, which was recently expanded via a multi-billion dollar investment. But recruiting Altman and Brockman represents a major talent gain for the tech giant.

The visionary duo will look to shape Microsoft into an AI powerhouse as the field experiences accelerated growth and competition. Their abrupt OpenAI departures created an opportunity for Nadella to pounce.