3 senior OpenAI researchers quit as crisis deepens after Altman's ouster

ChatGPT owner OpenAI sacked co-founder and CEO Sam Altman on November 17.

Three senior OpenAI researchers—Jakub Pachocki, Aleksander Madry, and Szymon Sidor—have reportedly quit following the sacking of co-founder and CEO Sam Altman, adding further twist to the shocking developments at the AI firm over the last 24 hours. Along with sacking Altman, the OpenAI board also removed co-founder Greg Brockman.

Pachocki, who served as the company's director of research, Madry, the head of a team assessing potential risks from AI, and Sidor, a researcher at OpenAI for seven years, have reportedly resigned from their positions, several media reports said.

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The circumstances surrounding these resignations, along with Altman's removal, suggest significant internal churn and potential challenges within OpenAI. The departure of key figures may influence the trajectory of OpenAI's future initiatives.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Altman expressed shock and anger over the board's decision to remove him, saying his ouster to a power struggle between him and board members.

Mira Murati, OpenAI's Chief Technology Officer, will take on the role of interim chief executive following Altman's departure until a permanent replacement is appointed. Additionally, Altman will step down from OpenAI's board.

Also Read: Sam Altman's ouster blows the lid off widening rift with OpenAI Board

In a post on X on November 17 night, Brockman mentioned that Altman was invited to a video meeting at noon with the company's board members, excluding him. During this meeting, OpenAI co-founder and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever reportedly informed Altman that he was being fired.

“Sam and I are shocked and saddened by what the board did today,” Brockman wrote.

Altman has been the most prominent executive in the rapidly growing AI sector and, the de facto ambassador for Silicon Valley. His role involved advocating for the industry and trying to convince governments worldwide that the pursuit of highly-sophisticated AI could be managed safely and responsibly.

Also Read: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s ouster sends ripples through Silicon Valley: What next?

OpenAI has garnered substantial investment, securing billions of dollars from strategic partners, with Microsoft playing a significant role as a major contributor. Notable venture funds, including Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Thrive Capital led by Josh Kushner, have also made investments in the company.