Swift as Code: Nadella speeds Altman's rise from ousted to outstanding at Microsoft

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced on Monday that Sam Altman, the ousted CEO of OpenAI, along with Greg Brockman, will be leading a new advanced AI research team at Microsoft. This development comes shortly after Altman's dismissal from OpenAI, seemingly the result of a contentious boardroom takeover. The move is expected to prevent OpenAI talent, initially planning to follow Altman, from joining rival companies like Google and Meta.

Nadella hinted at the inclusion of additional colleagues from OpenAI in the new team, suggesting Microsoft's intent to absorb talent that had intended to depart with Altman. This strategic move aligns with Microsoft's commitment to delivering on the features and promises outlined at the recent Microsoft Ignite conference.

In addition to Altman and Brockman's appointment, Nadella confirmed the reported appointment of Emmett Shear as the new interim CEO of OpenAI. Nadella expressed Microsoft's eagerness to collaborate with Shear and OpenAI's new leadership team. Despite Altman's departure from OpenAI, Nadella emphasized Microsoft's continued commitment to its partnership with OpenAI.

Sam Altman responded to the announcement by quoting Nadella's tweet with the caption, "the mission continues." Discussions for Altman's potential return to OpenAI on Sunday did not materialize, leading to the board's decision to appoint Emmett Shear as the new interim CEO. A memo sent to existing employees outlined the reasons behind Altman's removal, citing his lack of transparency and behavior that undermined the board's ability to supervise the company effectively. The memo stated, "Put simply, Sam’s behavior and lack of transparency in his interactions with the board undermined the board’s ability to effectively supervise the company in the manner it was mandated to do."