Microsoft Appoints Former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to Helm New Advanced AI Research Team

In a strategic move announced by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Monday, the tech giant has enlisted the expertise of OpenAI co-founders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman to lead a groundbreaking AI research team. This development comes on the heels of OpenAI's appointment of former Twitch CEO Emmett Shear, despite investor demands for the reinstatement of Sam Altman, the co-founder who played a pivotal role in establishing the company in 2015.

I’m super excited to have you join as CEO of this new group, Sam, setting a new pace for innovation. We’ve learned a lot over the years about how to give founders and innovators space to build independent identities and cultures within Microsoft, including GitHub, Mojang Studios,…

— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) November 20, 2023

Nadella conveyed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with Altman, Brockman, and their team, emphasizing Microsoft's commitment to providing swift and ample resources for the success of this advanced AI research venture. "We are thrilled to announce that Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, along with their accomplished colleagues, will be at the forefront of leading our new advanced AI research team," stated Nadella.

Addressing the potential recruitment of other former OpenAI talents, Nadella underscored Microsoft's unwavering dedication to the startup. Despite changes in leadership at OpenAI, Nadella affirmed, "We remain steadfast in our commitment to the partnership with OpenAI, expressing confidence in our product roadmap and innovation capabilities. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with Emmett Shear and OpenAI's newly appointed leadership team."

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Altman officially confirmed his transition to Microsoft, echoing Nadella's sentiment that "the mission continues." Nadella further hinted at Altman's role within Microsoft, highlighting the company's proven track record of allowing founders the autonomy to cultivate independent identities and cultures, citing successful examples such as GitHub, Mojang Studios, and LinkedIn.