Microsoft has offered to match the pay of any staff who join it from crisis-ridden OpenAI.
Sam Altman was unexpectedly removed from his position as CEO on Friday, prompting an offer from Microsoft for him to lead a new advanced AI research team. This decision has sparked significant discontent among OpenAI staff, with the majority threatening to resign unless Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman are reinstated.
The situation regarding Altman’s potential move to Microsoft remains uncertain, even though Microsoft is OpenAI’s major investor. Evan Morikawa, an engineering manager at OpenAI, disclosed that 743 out of 770 employees have signed a letter urging the board to resign, with staff indicating their intention to leave if their demands are not met. Microsoft’s Chief Technology Officer, Kevin Scott, confirmed that job offers had been extended to OpenAI staff, assuring them that Microsoft would match their current compensation.
The ambiguity also extends to Altman’s future, as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella mentioned on CNBC that Altman might not join, expressing commitment to OpenAI and Altman regardless of the outcome. Nadella emphasized openness to various possibilities depending on the decisions of OpenAI staff.
Nadella acknowledged that change is necessary at OpenAI and expressed a willingness to engage in discussions with their board about governance. Despite Microsoft’s substantial investment and extensive use of OpenAI’s technology, the company does not currently have a seat on OpenAI’s board.
While OpenAI faces internal turmoil, Microsoft’s approach has been viewed positively by some in the industry. Nathan Benaich, a partner at Air Street Capital, commended Nadella’s decisions, describing them as “fantastic deal-making” and positioning Microsoft as a formidable force with the leadership of OpenAI, talent attraction capabilities, a robust balance sheet, and significant investments in computing infrastructure.