OpenAI in ‘intense discussions’ to prevent staff exodus if Sam Altman isn’t reinstated as CEO

OpenAI execs are reportedly having “intense discussions” on how to prevent a staff exodus following the surprise ouster of CEO Sam Altman — who has since accepted a gig at Microsoft.

On Monday, more than 700 of the startup behind ChatGPT’s 770 staff signed a letter threatening to quit if the board doesn’t reinstate Altman. That prompted OpenAI’s Vice President of Global Affairs, Anna Makanju, to deliver an internal memo attempting to rally the company’s workforce, according to Bloomberg, which reviewed the message.

Makanju assured that OpenAI’s management is in touch with Altman, Shear and the board, “but they are not prepared to give us a final response this evening,” she wrote, per Bloomberg.

The extent of OpenAI’s discussions with Altman — or if they involved giving the 38-year-old AI whiz his job back — remains unclear.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella (right) said the company was open to hiring more OpenAI staffers, and called for more governance at the ChatGPT maker in light of recent events.