After a turbulent five days, Sam Altman will again lead OpenAI as CEO. The move comes after employee threats to quit and an offer from Microsoft to Altman. OpenAI tweeted late November 21 that they had reached an agreement for Altman's comeback and a new board structure.

“We have reached an agreement in principle for Sam Altman to return to OpenAI as CEO with a new initial board of Bret Taylor (Chair), Larry Summers, and Adam D'Angelo,” OpenAI tweeted late Friday night.

OpenAI, a Silicon Valley-based AI research powerhouse, was in the throes of leadership upheaval following the unexpected board-led ouster of CEO Sam Altman. This development had stirred significant concern within the tech community about the company's strategic path.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella had offered Altman a role with the tech giant’s AI teams and hinted at a potential return for Altman to OpenAI following the board’s initial announcement of a leadership change. Over 700 OpenAI employees threatened to resign unless Altman was reinstated. Microsoft is one of OpenAI’s most significant investors, contributing over $13 billion to the firm.

The board's original statement attributed their decision to remove Altman to his lack of consistent candor in communications, undermining their confidence in his leadership.

This tumultuous period for OpenAI is marked by internal conflicts over AI's commercialization speed and safety. Despite the turmoil, Microsoft remains committed to its partnership with OpenAI, emphasizing the importance of continuing AI innovation.