ChronoFive
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Setting the scene
OpenAI's board fired CEO Sam Altman on November 17, 2023, citing lack of candor. The decision shocked Silicon Valley. President Greg Brockman quit in protest. Microsoft offered to hire Altman and staff. After five days of employee revolt—95% of staff threatened to quit—the board reinstated Altman November 22 with a new board.
What happened
The crisis revealed tensions between OpenAI's nonprofit mission to safely develop AGI and commercial pressures. It highlighted AI governance challenges and the power of talent in tech companies.
Why it still matters
The November 2023 board drama was a watershed moment for AI industry governance, showing how quickly leadership crises could unfold.
Background
Governance of AI labs faced scrutiny.