Sam Altman Not To Return As OpenAI CEO; Former Twitch Boss Takes Helm - Reports

After all the drama that unfolded following the exit of former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman—including the possibility of Altman returning to take back the helm, it appears that he is not returning as the CEO of the ChatGPT creator, as multiple reports say.

Meanwhile, OpenAI has appointed Emmett Shear, the ex-CEO of Twitch, as the interim CEO, replacing Mira Murati after just a day, per Forbes. Notably, this comes after The Information reported that OpenAI’s board did not agree to Altman’s return, and hence, the board is not stepping down—as was Altman’s alleged condition for returning. Other publications, including Bloomberg, reported the same as well.

The Verge reports that Emmett Shear’s hiring as interim CEO has ended the possibility of Altman returning to take the role of CEO. While OpenAI’s board was indeed pressured by mass employee walkouts, investors, and some reports suggest that Microsoft—which has a fair share of investment in OpenAI—was also behind Altman to be reinstated. However, none of that happened, and the board missed the purported 5 PM PT deadline set by Altman and his comrades.

After this, multiple OpenAI employees came in support of Altman on X and posted supportive messages. Those who supported Altman—include OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap, and Mira Murati, CTO, who is being replaced by Shear.

With that said, Emmett Shear—the new interim CEO—is known to be a quirky and opinionated leader. He has time and again voiced his opinion about the risks associated with generative AI.

It remains to be seen what happens in this surprise saga next and what Sam Altman ends up saying. The last time Altman posted was from OpenAI headquarters in California, when he said, “First and last time I ever wear one of these,” holding a guest card to enter the OpenAI premises.