The Big Tech Show: Sam Altman returns as OpenAI CEO — can this drama get any stranger?

Why has OpenAI decided to reinstate Sam Altman? What does this mean for the company? Is the turmoil within the company finished? And has Altman’s position been strengthened by this conflict?

Adrian talks to producer JJ Clarke about the strife within the tech startup.

Late on Tuesday night, OpenAI announced that they were bringing back Sam Altman as CEO of the company, under a reconstituted board. Former Salesforce chief Bret Taylor and former US Treasury secretary Larry Summers join the board as directors.

This follows five days of conflict within the company. On Friday night, Altman was dismissed. He attempted to return on Sunday which didn’t work out. By Monday, nearly all of OpenAI’s 700 staff said they would resign if the former CEO wasn’t put back in power.

Adrian highlighted the crux of the conflict, which is that there is friction between the non-profit side of Open AI and the commercial side. He said that the commercial interests won out in this case, with Altman coming out in a stronger position.

You can listen to the full episode on Independent.ie or wherever you get your podcasts.