Sam Altman returns as OpenAI CEO after 800 employees threaten mass resignation and investors revolt

On November 22, 2023, OpenAI reinstated Sam Altman as CEO after nearly all 800 employees signed an open letter threatening to join Altman at Microsoft if the board did not reverse course. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella had announced Altman would lead a new Microsoft AI research team, applying decisive economic pressure. A reconstituted board replaced three of four departing members, adding former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor as chair and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers.