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DAVOS, Switzerland — Sam Altman, the founder and CEO of OpenAI, shared insights into the night he was unexpectedly ousted by the board, describing it as a “wild” experience that left him feeling “super confused” and caught off guard. Speaking at a private gathering in Davos, Altman recounted that his immediate reaction was to contemplate his next steps. He only considered returning after some board members contacted him the following morning, highlighting the significant power held by the board in the organization’s unusual corporate structure.
Unlike typical scenarios where founders have ownership stakes, Altman revealed he had no equity in OpenAI during a Senate hearing in May. This unique dynamic, combined with the intricate organizational chart of OpenAI, contributed to Altman’s surprise removal and subsequent reinstatement. A capped-profit company, OpenAI Global, and various other entities further complicate the organization’s structure.
In November, the board lost confidence in Altman and expelled him from the organization, sparking a chaotic series of events. The entire OpenAI staff threatened to resign, emphasizing their loyalty to Altman, and within days, he was reinstated. The tumultuous episode raised concerns about AI safety and OpenAI’s role in safeguarding it.
Altman acknowledged the need to evaluate the organization’s structure, considering the complex relationships between OpenAI, its subsidiaries, and the board. Despite Microsoft’s significant investment, it became evident that the tech giant did not influence Altman’s removal.
Altman emphasized the unique commitment of OpenAI’s team and investors to the company’s mission, citing a letter signed by 98% of the staff during the turbulent period. While dismissing the idea of becoming a traditional for-profit company, Altman expressed openness to reevaluating the organization’s structure for potential improvements. He clarified that the current focus was on addressing concerns related to the board rather than contemplating a shift in the company’s structure.
