Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has stated that changes to the governance structure of OpenAI are imperative, regardless of the ultimate destination of former CEO Sam Altman

21 Nov, 2023

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has stated that changes to the governance structure of OpenAI are imperative, regardless of the ultimate destination of former CEO Sam Altman

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella spoke with CNBC’s Jon Fortt on Monday about the need for changes in the governance structure of OpenAI, just three days after the abrupt removal of CEO Sam Altman.

Nadella emphasized the necessity for alterations in OpenAI's governance, stating, "At this point, I think it’s very clear that something has to change around the governance." He expressed Microsoft's intention to engage in a constructive dialogue with OpenAI's board regarding these changes.

In his first press interview since Altman's departure, Nadella reassured that the fundamental artificial intelligence (AI) research and the partnership with Microsoft at OpenAI will continue unaffected. However, he did not provide clarity on the future roles of Altman and fellow co-founder Greg Brockman, who previously served as the company’s chairman. Earlier, Nadella had announced that Altman, Brockman, and their colleagues would join Microsoft as part of a new AI research group. Yet, as Monday progressed, it became less certain whether Altman and Brockman would indeed be part of Microsoft.

Amidst these developments, hundreds of OpenAI employees signed a letter urging the company's board to resign, or they might consider leaving to join their former colleagues at Microsoft.

Nadella emphasized that it's the choice of OpenAI employees whether to stay in their current roles or move to Microsoft, stating that Microsoft has the necessary resources to continue innovating independently.

The possibility of Altman's rapid reinstatement gained traction over the weekend, with prominent investors, including Microsoft, working to reverse the board's decision. However, none of these firms had board seats, and they were taken by surprise by the initial decision.

In a post on X late Saturday night, Altman expressed his affection for the OpenAI team, a sentiment echoed by Brockman and other employees who reposted the message.

Nadella affirmed Microsoft's respect for OpenAI's nonprofit roots and shared the belief in developing and deploying AI in a safe manner. He emphasized the proactive approach in dealing with both the benefits and unintended consequences of technology from the outset.